Commentary

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

Harvard football player runs with the ball, pursued by opposing players on the field.

Harvard Football: Villanova 52, Harvard 7

The Crimson’s inaugural playoff appearance is nasty, brutish, and short.

by Dick Friedman

Lawrence S. Bacow

The View from Mass Hall

President Bacow on Harvard Divinity School

by Lawrence S. Bacow

On Readers’ Behalf

Recognizing writers and artists for distinguished work during 2021

Crimson Clear

Time for greater Harvard transparency

Letters from our readers

Liberal arts, repatriation, sea level, palindromes

Photo of Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow

Seeing Further

Harvard’s investment in quantum science

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Endowment Enigmas

Risky entanglements in the political arena—and the potential for major new academic investments

Campus, Interrupted

The Undergraduate returns to student life, altered by the pandemic and a year spent apart. 

by Rebecca E. J. Cadenhead , Swathi Kella

Divest Harvard signs hangs from Mass. Hall.

Has Harvard “Divested”?

Interpreting President Bacow’s recent statement on climate change

by John S. Rosenberg

Photograph of Kit Parker on duty in Afghanistan, spring 2003, with a village leader in Kandahar Province

Afghanistan Will Be What It Always Was

But will we be better? A veteran’s reflections

by Kit Parker

Letters from our readers

Restorative justice, Radcliffe rebranded, endowment reparations