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Layla Chaaraoui

About Layla Chaaraoui

The Managing Editor, Layla Chaaraoui ’26, studies Government and Global Health and Health Policy. Layla is passionate about journalism and strives to report on the issues that matter most around the world. She calls Pforzheimer, Philadelphia, and the Independent her home.

Articles written by Layla Chaaraoui:

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The Future of Our Democracy

Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders discusses the 2024 Presidential election, the Israel-Hamas war, the United States health care crisis, and other pressing issues.

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On April 12, Senator Bernie Sanders took the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum stage at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics. Institute of Politics Director Setti Warren spoke first, warning the audience to adhere to Harvard Kennedy School dissent policies and refrain from protesting—an uncommon preface for a Forum event. Former New York City […]

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Ramadan Reflection

Ramadan felt different this year, in more ways than one.

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One of the most rewarding experiences of my time at Harvard thus far has been taking advantage of the opportunity to grow closer to and understand my faith. Growing up in a mixed-religion household, my parents have always been completely supportive and helpful in understanding my beliefs. Islam was a choice I made on my […]

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“If We Succeeded”

Former HUA Co-President candidates Lucas Chu ’23-25 and Trinity Dysis ’27 discuss their motivation to run for office and the ultimate conflict that led to their ticket’s dissolution.

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“We feel that we have been slighted…We want to make sure that our message is present: that the HUA needs to be replaced.” Though Trinity Dysis ’27 is “well aware” that she is a freshman, since arriving at Harvard, Dysis has understood the problems that have faced Harvard’s student government for quite some time. “It […]

My Classroom, My Rules?

Harvard University leadership and professors have been forced to update their protest and dissent policies after campus controversy.

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Note: Students interviewed for this article were offered anonymity for privacy protection. They are referred to by the pseudonyms of Ryan, Alex, Charlie, and Avery.  Harvard has a history of using campus protesting as a means of public expression. Ranging from demonstrations to die-ins, student activists have used protesting to express grievances or demand action […]

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In The News

Short briefings of upcoming news developments on Harvard’s campus poised to make waves.

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Since returning to campus, Harvard has made several strides in reversing its missteps from last fall, such as creating task forces to tackle both Islamophobia and Antisemitism on campus. However, the aftermath of the events of last semester, ranging from campus demonstrations to presidential resignations, continue to unfold with no clear resolution in sight. Moving […]

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Barry in the BAFTUB

Hasty Pudding Theatricals debuted their 2024 Man of the Year and 175th production on February 2nd, 2024.

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The first ever “BAFTUB” award, a kissing cactus, and a “Murder on the Dancefloor.” These were just some of the many highlights of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals’ opening night of their 175th production, Heist, Heist, Baby. But before the show began, the group honored their 2024 Man of the Year, Irish actor Barry Keoghan. Keoghan […]

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A Conversation With Dr. Carol Swain

Dr. Carol Swain is one of the scholars whom former Harvard President Claudine Gay is accused of plagiarizing.

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Dr. Carol Swain was initially shocked to find out that former Harvard University President Claudine Gay had been accused of plagiarizing her work. “I was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt,” she said in an interview with the Independent. Dr. Swain, a political scientist and educator from southwestern Virginia, began researching the […]

Labeling Claudine Gay as a “Diversity Hire” is a Problem

Limiting Claudine Gay’s appointment to a “DEI hire” takes away from the qualifications and achievements of minorities.

From the start of her Presidency, Claudine Gay’s critics have cast aspersions on her qualifications to hold the position as Harvard’s first Black and second female president. 2024 Republican Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy ’07 compared her to other Harvard faculty, stating on X that “Harvard Prof Roland Fryer published more in a single year than […]

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An Ode to the Snow Day

How our sacred snow days have been sacrificed.

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Growing up in Philadelphia, many snow days were scheduled all throughout elementary and middle school. My day consisted of hot chocolate, snowmen, and sleeping in, giving me some of my fondest childhood memories. The death of the “snow day” is another one of the many long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The once-beloved snow days […]

Harvard, Driven to its Breaking Point

The origin of the billboard truck circling Harvard’s campus and its complicated history.

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Rescinded job offers, public outcry, and doxxing. After a joint statement was released by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) and the Harvard Graduate Students for Palestine in response to the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel and co-signed by over 30 other student organizations, the Harvard community and its students have been increasingly under […]

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