John Lonergan, HBS '76: Alexander Hughes’ article brilliantly exposes the urgent need for Harvard to realign with its public mission and shed the ideological shackles that undermine its legacy. I wholeheartedly support his call for reform, as Harvard’s current trajectory risks eroding its role as a beacon of merit and intellectual diversity. The article rightly critiques the university’s resistance to federal oversight, which could address critical flaws in its admissions and culture. Harvard’s main faults lie in: (1) its unwillingness to accept students with non-progressive political views, stifling the viewpoint diversity essential for robust discourse; (2) hidden discrimination against high-achievers, including Asians, as evidenced by ongoing lawsuits and admissions data, which betrays the meritocracy Hughes champions; and (3) a focus on "exclusivity," akin to luxury brands like Rolex or Ferrari, rather than expanding class sizes to educate more leaders. If Harvard truly adds value to society, as its mission claims, why not dramatically increase the number of students it educates, amplifying its impact? The government’s push for accountability, as Hughes argues, is not an attack but a lifeline to restore Harvard’s commitment to Veritas and public good. By embracing these reforms, Harvard can reclaim its role as a forge for citizen-leaders, not a cloistered elite.
Yes, Harvard had it coming, as do Princeton, Yale, Columbia and down the line… Achieving a diversity of viewpoints on the faculty is going to be extremely difficult as existing faculty regularly vote down candidates whose work is perceived as “Eurocentric,” “conservative,” or who have, perhaps, ventured to criticize aspects of critical race theory.
For a group that’s been oh so concerned about “cancel culture” for the last decade or so, it’s weird that you’re not more concerned about the government wanting to audit the viewpoints held by students and staff at your University.
Beautifully composed/argued. I hope that the faculty (and at least a few powerful alums/donors) will take your words to heart — maintaining the pressure required to restore balance and true freedom of thought/expression to Harvard.
John Lonergan, HBS '76: Alexander Hughes’ article brilliantly exposes the urgent need for Harvard to realign with its public mission and shed the ideological shackles that undermine its legacy. I wholeheartedly support his call for reform, as Harvard’s current trajectory risks eroding its role as a beacon of merit and intellectual diversity. The article rightly critiques the university’s resistance to federal oversight, which could address critical flaws in its admissions and culture. Harvard’s main faults lie in: (1) its unwillingness to accept students with non-progressive political views, stifling the viewpoint diversity essential for robust discourse; (2) hidden discrimination against high-achievers, including Asians, as evidenced by ongoing lawsuits and admissions data, which betrays the meritocracy Hughes champions; and (3) a focus on "exclusivity," akin to luxury brands like Rolex or Ferrari, rather than expanding class sizes to educate more leaders. If Harvard truly adds value to society, as its mission claims, why not dramatically increase the number of students it educates, amplifying its impact? The government’s push for accountability, as Hughes argues, is not an attack but a lifeline to restore Harvard’s commitment to Veritas and public good. By embracing these reforms, Harvard can reclaim its role as a forge for citizen-leaders, not a cloistered elite.
Yes, Harvard had it coming, as do Princeton, Yale, Columbia and down the line… Achieving a diversity of viewpoints on the faculty is going to be extremely difficult as existing faculty regularly vote down candidates whose work is perceived as “Eurocentric,” “conservative,” or who have, perhaps, ventured to criticize aspects of critical race theory.
Yup
For a group that’s been oh so concerned about “cancel culture” for the last decade or so, it’s weird that you’re not more concerned about the government wanting to audit the viewpoints held by students and staff at your University.
Nah, that ain't what's happening, but keep wailing and weeping.
https://open.substack.com/pub/thegutsprotocol/p/che-is-out-crimson-is-in?selection=404ce6fd-152e-4021-9a6c-c2018682c477&r=5g7z6y&utm_medium=ios
Beautifully composed/argued. I hope that the faculty (and at least a few powerful alums/donors) will take your words to heart — maintaining the pressure required to restore balance and true freedom of thought/expression to Harvard.