Columns
The Conspiracy Theory Behind the War on DEI
The true danger to academic freedom and democracy does not come from DEI, but from those who, in their fervor to dismantle it, are willing to embrace the darkest traditions of suspicion and hatred. We must not be fooled into helping them.
There Are Many Victims of Trump’s NIH Cuts. DEI Isn’t One.
Harvard and a hostile Washington have been preparing for ideological war. If Trump isn’t careful, the entire American higher education system — “woke” or not — risks being torn apart in the crossfire.
The American Dream Is in Danger at Harvard
Our University has a duty to protect its international students and stand firm against the strongman tactics of the new president and his Congressional cronies. It has a duty to keep these students safe, not just as an educational institution — but as an American one.
Harvard’s Registration Is So Off-Course
Changes to course registration are small but critical. They balance the needs of students while allowing faculty to plan out productive semesters that make for more effective teaching and advising.
Harvard Has an Optimization Epidemic
So this semester, try to let yourself breathe a bit. Notice when you feel the urge to continuously “do,” and combat it. After all, there is an opportunity cost to optimization — enjoying your life.
Maybe Harvard Students Aren’t Engaged in Class. But They Aren’t the Only Ones To Blame.
Extracurriculars are also symptoms of larger forces, and trying to minimize extracurriculars while leaving those untouched would be a fool’s errand. If Harvard eliminated all extracurriculars tomorrow, would students suddenly show up to every large lecture class that they aren’t able to focus in?
Allston Is Gentrifying and Harvard Is To Blame
It’s not too late, however, for Harvard to change its course, especially during the current community benefits negotiation process. With Allston’s future in the balance, a more responsible Harvard is non-negotiable.
Saving Money Is One Thing. Trump’s NIH Cuts Are Another.
There are ways to save the American people money without endangering world-class lifesaving research and the credibility of the world’s leading institution in biomedicine. But that won’t happen when we cut costs by cutting corners.
Harvard, Turn Down the Heat
Harvard’s transition away from hyper-sweltering indoor environments will not only give me one less thing to complain about but also tackle a far more important problem — protecting the health of our community.
Trump Must Be Beacon Hill’s Wake-up Call
The next four years will be difficult across the country, but if we can have true leadership here at home, we can avoid the worst of it. It is time to demand that this legislature fix the mechanisms that have rendered it ineffective.
Say No to Screens. Say Yes To Learning.
No-screen policies don’t undermine student autonomy. It gives our autonomy back to us. It’s a different, better kind of freedom — not the freedom to do what you want in class, but to do what you should.
I’ll Say It: Harvard Square Doesn’t Suck
We can’t stop change. Thankfully, in this case, it is serving us well. So the next time you criticize Harvard Square’s commercialization, think: When was the last time you had a Jefe’s bowl?
It’s Time for Harvard To Be the Center of Attention
It might be easier for Harvard to avoid possible controversy through avoiding the media. But to protect the crucial research being done at Harvard and change Americans’ perspectives about our University, we must launch back into the spotlight, this time on our own terms.
Opting Out of the NCAA Settlement Was the Right Call
By continuing to separate sports from money, the Ivy League can maintain its special position in American sports as a place where the spirit of the game stays central to its mission.
To Harvard Students Who Have Never Met a Conservative
Harvard students and faculty should use their vaunted skepticism on themselves and check out the other side — and that starts by taking a look upward.
Harvard Needs a Multiracial Student Organization
Harvard boasts clubs for practically every interest, affinity, and activity you can think of. Multiracial students deserve one too.
Will You Monitor Us, Harvard?
Like many, I am an international student who stands in solidarity with Palestine. So once again, I ask you, Harvard: Will you monitor us? Or will you stand up for the principles you claim to uphold?
Don’t Be Fooled — Harvard’s Updated Policies Change Nothing
Yet rather than enforcing its existing policies to crack down on this behavior, Harvard has opted for a purely symbolic revision—one that neither strengthens protections nor ensures their fair application.
Winter Break is Too Long
And if we want more holidays — like Election Day, the week of Thanksgiving, or a fall break — the days have to come from somewhere. Rather than let winter break hoard all of them, we could spread them a little more equitably throughout the year.
Harvard’s Professors Aren’t the Problem — The Lecture Is
World-class or not, the mic-wearing “sage on the stage” is, ultimately, our educator. We see them on their perch. All we ask is that we are seen, too.
Harvard Needs Student Affinity Spaces
Harvard must create new, central, student-owned and controlled spaces for affinity groups to use. Ownership over these spaces will allow students to cultivate a deeper sense of belonging and connectedness within their communities, creating a culture that welcomes and nurtures students of all backgrounds and experiences.
The T Is Working Again. Leaders, Don’t Hit the Brakes.
Great transportation creates great cities. By pursuing an affordable, sustainable, equitable, and stable MBTA, we are pursuing a future where everyone can truly enjoy what Boston has to offer.
Ask Me How To Say My Name
On Harvard’s campus, introductions are abundant, rushed, and awful. You can meet an incredible amount of people throughout the day, whether during a club meeting or in a dining hall, and every exchange feels the same. Luckily, we have the perfect opportunity to break this cycle, and it starts with getting someone's name right.