Commentary

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

Trump Administration Appeals Order Restoring $2.7 Billion in Funding to Harvard

The appeal, which had been expected, came two days before the deadline to file.

by Jonathan Shaw

Harvard deans urge renewing civic education

Time to restore American higher education’s lost mission

by Ellen Condliffe Lagemann , Harry R. Lewis

William Stuntz, late Harvard law professor, on American criminal justice

America’s flawed criminal justice system

Touchpoints, tea party, theater's future, water woes, and more reader letters

Touchpoints, tea party, theater's future, water woes, medieval literature, a life of faith, and more

Reader letters on Al Franken, the end of lectures, civic education, and more

Letters about Al Franken, the value of lectures, education and economics, justice, the Tea Party, primate care, and more

Readers discuss how to dodge questions, and stop others from dodging

Readers discuss how to dodge questions, and stop others from doing so.

An undergraduate explores Boston through a course about urban problems

The Undergraduate writes about "Reinventing Boston," a course that sends students out to learn about urban progress and problems through immersion in city life.

by Katherine Xue

Keynesian economics, solar costs, education excesses, and more reader letters

Keynesian economics, solar costs, education excesses, and more

Readers discuss the coed living experiment of 1970 and 1971

Readers discuss the coed living experiment of 1970 and 1971.

An undergraduate wonders if Harvard could be more like summer camp

An undergraduate wonders if the College could be more like camp.

by Isabel Ruane

An undergraduate travels to Namibia to participate in WorldTeach

An undergraduate travels to Namibia in the hope that, by flinging herself to a faraway place, she will figure things out.

by Katherine Xue