Harvard Alumni for Free Speech Responds to Antisemitism and Islamophobia Reports
Cambridge, MA - Last week, Harvard University released the long-awaited reports from its Presidential Task Forces on (i) Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israel Bias and (ii) Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and Anti-Palestinian Bias. Both reports are deeply troubling, detailing how Harvard has failed to adequately support both communities. At Harvard Alumni for Free Speech (HAFFS), we are not going to focus on the specific incidents described in the reports. These reports are well-researched and thoughtfully written, and we encourage you to read them in their entirety.
What we do want to highlight, however, is the broader concern these reports reveal: how far Harvard has strayed from its core mission of promoting free discussion, open inquiry, and critical thinking within a framework of civil discourse. Today, students and faculty express concerns about self-censorship, professional repercussions, and, at times, even their physical safety if their views fall outside the prevailing norms of the academic environment. While the reports specifically address antisemitism and Islamophobia, it is important to recognize that the patterns of behavior described are not isolated to these communities alone. Similar challenges are being faced by individuals across the Harvard community who hold minority or unpopular views.
The reasons for this decline are not difficult to understand. In recent years, Harvard has attracted a growing number of activists who have used the institution as a platform for advocating their views rather than as a place where they can listen, learn, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Additionally, Harvard has faced challenges in clearly defining what constitutes acceptable behavior, particularly for new students and young faculty. We are pleased to see this is now being addressed through initiatives like the Intellectual Vitality Initiative, which aims to restore the principles of civil discourse that have been central to the university's mission.
We recognize that addressing bias on campus is a serious and necessary undertaking, and we welcome the increased attention this issue has received. At the same time, we firmly believe that Harvard — through its own leadership and the strength of its community — is best positioned to uphold its values and guide necessary reforms. The path forward must be led by Harvard's commitment to academic integrity, moral clarity, and institutional self-governance.
It's about time that these critical issues have received the attention they deserve, and for that, HAFFS thanks President Garber, Provost Manning, the members of the two Presidential Task Forces, and everyone else at Harvard who contributed to the preparation and release of these reports. Their courage and hard work are commendable. The next step will be to implement the reforms necessary to restore Harvard as a place where individuals can safely question, discuss, and engage with the most challenging issues of our time. HAFFS will continue to monitor these efforts and keep you informed.
Harvard Alumni for Free Speech is a nonprofit organization comprised of Harvard alumni, donors, students, and faculty who are committed to promoting and strengthening free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity, both on campus and throughout the global Harvard-Radcliffe community.
Contact@HarvardAlumniforFreeSpeech.com