Commentary

In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.

A man in a suit speaking at a podium with a red drape and a university crest.

Garber to Serve as Harvard President Beyond 2027

A once-interim appointment will now continue indefinitely.

by Jonathan Shaw

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AWOL from Academics

Behind students' increasing pull toward extracurriculars

by Aden Barton

View of Harvard University campus from the Charles River

Why Americans Love to Hate Harvard

The president emeritus on elite universities’ academic accomplishments—and a rising tide of antagonism

by Derek Bok

A Look in the Mirror

Challenges for Harvard governance and leadership

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The campus sundered, stem cell research, voting, and more

A conceptual illustration of a student seated in a classroom facing an imagined image of herself in a different environment with flowers and rocks

Is Pedagogy About Us?

Questioning the intellectual rigor of bringing identity into the classroom

by Isabella Cho

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Letters about the Middle East war and campus upheavals, the energy transition, legacies, and more

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Campus discourse, ethics education, affirmative action

Legacies’ Legacy

Adapting admissions to new socioeconomic and political circumstances

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Affirmative action, climate change, undergraduate options

Installation photos of Harvard presidents Lawrence Summers, Drew Gilpin Faust, and Lawrence Bacow

Reading the Tea Leaves

The messages and meanings of Harvard’s presidential installations