Harvard’s Hold on Housing
Cambridge’s recent zoning reform may reduce Harvard’s real-estate dominance and its negative effects on University affiliates.
Across 17 freshman dormitories and 13 upperclassmen residential buildings, Harvard undergraduates have the privilege of guaranteed housing during their four years on campus. However, graduate students, faculty, and University affiliates struggle to find housing as Harvard’s property acquisitions distort the Cambridge and Allston markets. Harvard University Housing owns approximately 2,900 apartments and 100 buildings, serving as […]
The Trouble with Tariffs
Harvard economics students react to the Trump administration’s new tariffs.
One cornerstone of President Trump’s 2025 campaign was his “America First” foreign policy plan. Part of that vision centered around levying tariffs against U.S. trade partners, most notably Canada and Mexico, in the hopes that economic pressure would force America’s neighbors to address the steady influx of illegal immigrants and dangerous drugs like fentanyl, which […]
Hot Takes from Harvard Students
Harvard undergraduates share their “hot takes” after a month back on campus.
Harvard’s extensive list of accomplished alumni is teeming with figures who have been a part of global controversies for decades. From politicians like Al Franken ’73 and Henry Kissinger ’50 to business magnates such as Mark Zuckerberg ’17, Harvard graduates can be counted on to change history—for better or worse. Even the infamous Unabomber, Ted […]
Cards That Will Make You “Pop” With Joy
How Love Pop creates magical moments through unique greeting cards.
The chill of February lingers in the air, but love is already blooming in Harvard Square. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, students are scouring the internet and local shops for thoughtful gifts that impress their special someone. Among the series of Yelp reviews and promising storefronts is Love Pop, which offers customers a twist on […]
Navigating Israel: Conversations and Controversy
A look at on-campus conversations surrounding student-led trips to Israel following Oct. 7.
After a year-long hiatus, an adapted version of the Harvard College Israel Trek returned, taking 46 undergraduates to the region from Jan. 17 to Jan. 25. Unlike Treks in the past, this trip was the first one to take place during Wintersession and the first one not advertised to the entire College. The trip has […]
Coming Up at the Institute of Politics
A look into Spring 2025 and beyond at the IOP after their record-breaking application season.
The Harvard Institute of Politics brought in record-breaking application numbers for the Spring 2025 semester. As of Feb. 10, the IOP received 788 applications across its 16 programs—including nearly 200 first-time submissions. At such a critical juncture in American and global politics, this growth speaks to a rising interest in civic leadership and public service […]
Serving With Love
How first-years are making a difference with the Phillips Brooks House Association.
The Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) continues to uphold its legacy as one of Harvard’s most enduring pillars of public service. Founded in 1904 as a coalition of six student organizations, PBHA has since evolved into a dynamic, student-led nonprofit with over 1,500 volunteers who operate over 80 social service and social action programs. These […]
De Croo Addresses JFK Jr. Forum
The outgoing prime minister of Belgium gives his take on European-American relations during Trump’s second term.
On Jan. 31, outgoing Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo delivered a speech at the Harvard Institute of Politics on the future of the European economy and international security. The talk was one of two flagship events hosted as part of the student-organized European Conference at the Harvard Kennedy School. De Croo, who has served […]
Le’olam al tishkach, Le’olam lo
Reflections on the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Last Tuesday, Jan. 27, marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The United Nations proclaimed Jan. 27 as the International Holocaust Memorial Day in 2005 to mark Auschwitz’s liberation in 1945, five years after its creation. From the camp’s inception until its liberation by the Red Army, German Nazis murdered […]
POV: You Still Can’t Access TikTok
Harvard’s Chief Technology Officer and most infamous hacker on data privacy in the wake of the looming TikTok ban.
On Jan. 19, phones around the United States were thrown across rooms and hit against tables as TikTok users were completely denied access to the popular short-form video content app. Two days earlier, the United States Supreme Court unanimously upheld a ban on the app’s use within our national borders due to data privacy concerns. […]
Diversity on Trial
Experts offer their thoughts on the sharp decline in Black student enrollment in Harvard Law School’s JD Class of 2027.
Harvard Law School’s mission statement offers a glimpse at the central tenets of the institution’s academic experience: “The unique strength of our community is that it brings together, from around the world, so many exceptionally talented people of different backgrounds, lived experiences, interests, ambitions, approaches, methodologies, and perspectives.” However, after the number of Black enrollees […]
Looking Beyond the Flames
Investigating the latent issues and heartbreaking toll on Harvard students from the Los Angeles wildfires.
Three days before the fires, Los Angeles and the surrounding area were idyllic. The Daily Pilot, an Orange County newspaper, even featured an article about the wintry beauty of Laguna Beach on its front page. However, on Jan. 7, fierce winds and a region parched from drought combined to create one of the most devastating […]
Trump Returns to Office
Harvard students react to President Trump’s second inauguration.
President Donald Trump was sworn in for his second term on Jan. 20 inside the Capitol Rotunda, making him the second person in American history to serve two nonconsecutive terms as chief executive. Following a contentious and unprecedented election season, Trump narrowly won the national popular vote—the first Republican presidential candidate to do so since […]
The 92 Report: Harvard Then & Now
Will Bachman ’92 is on a mission to interview every member of the Harvard and Radcliffe Class of 1992.
“So, tell me about your journey since graduating from Harvard.” Each episode of Will Bachman ’92’s podcast, The 92 Report, kicks off the same way—but from there, Bachman lets his guests take the reins and lets the conversation flow organically. The 92 Report, which first debuted in February 2022, follows Will Bachman as he speaks […]
The Enduring Attack on DEI
The Trump administration issues an executive order committed to rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
In his first week back in office, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across the executive branch and the broader United States. From anti-bias training to federal funding for minority farmers and homeowners, Trump’s order effectively dismantles such programs from all aspects of the federal […]
The Fragile Reality of “Ceasefire Now”
Momentary peace amidst the Israel-Hamas war.
Jan. 19 marked the first day of a long-anticipated ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war that began over 15 months ago. The attack on Oct. 7, 2023 left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 240 captured by Hamas. Since then, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel’s retaliation, along with hundreds more […]
The Ins and Outs of Wintersession
A look into the range of programming offered to Harvard College students in January.
After the fall semester’s final papers, exams, and projects have ended, there is a brief academic lull before the spring semester begins. While some students spend their extended holiday break with family, catching up on sleep, or re-planting their hometown roots, a select population participates in Wintersession. Wintersession at Harvard, colloquially known as “J-Term,” is […]
Harvard Versus Its Own: Trump’s New Cabinet
Harvard alumni selected for Trump’s cabinet have repeatedly clashed with the University.
The relationship between Harvard and two alumni appointed to key positions in Donald Trump’s administration has been marked by tension and public clashes. R-NY Elise Stefanik ’06 and Peter Hegseth ’13 have criticized the University on multiple occasions, basing their criticisms on what they view as Harvard’s liberal agenda. Stefanik, nominated as the next U.S. […]
Furman Forecasts Trump’s Second Term
Professor Jason Furman speculates on the economy under President-elect Donald Trump.
Harvard Kennedy School and College Professor Jason Furman ’92 discussed the future of the American economy under President-elect Trump’s second term at a panel this Monday. The event was organized by the Charles River Economics Labs (CREL), a team of undergraduate pro-bono researchers. CREL co-presidents Julien Berman ’26 and Abhay Duggirala ’26 asked Furman questions […]
Starting School with a Start-Up
How Harvard students maintain (or not) the businesses they founded before college.
Founding a start-up is undeniably hard, but some Harvard students undertake this monumental task before even setting foot on campus—whether to boost their applications, pursue a passion, or make some money. So what happens to these projects once students arrive and get settled at Harvard? Harvard students have reported that many start-ups fizzle out as […]
Traditions and Turmoil
A look into the history of celebrating Thanksgiving.
Every Thanksgiving, millions of Americans gather around dinner tables to celebrate a holiday steeped in tradition and controversy. On the day of Thanksgiving at 8:00 a.m., an army of floats, balloons, and elaborate costumes marched down New York City’s Central Park West. This year was the 100th anniversary of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, an […]
Holding Space for Defying Expectations
Harvard first-years share what surprised them about the fall semester.
It is impossible to ignore the outsized role of Harvard relative to other universities in the minds of people around the world. Its name evokes visions of The Social Network, Legally Blonde, and, as many first-years learn during orientation week, Love Story. Its hallowed place in the American psyche is compounded by over eight million […]
From Harvard to New Hampshire
How nine Harvard students crossed state lines on foot.
While the rest of campus was curled up recovering from the previous night’s escapades, one particularly ambitious group of Harvard students set out on foot, bright and early on Sunday, Nov. 17 with a clear destination in mind: New Hampshire. For Asher Montgomery ’26 and Uzma Issa ’25, the idea for the adventure developed over […]
A Tale of a Fractured USA
Harvard students react to President-elect Donald Trump’s unfolding victory over the course of election night.
On Nov. 5, the existing political divides amongst Harvard’s student body spurred markedly different election night screenings across campus. In Sanders Theatre, the Institute of Politics hosted what seemed to be a predominantly Democratic audience who watched with dismay as swing states leaned toward Donald Trump, dimming hopes for a Kamala Harris presidency. Meanwhile, in […]
This Week at the JFK Jr. Forum
The Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics hosts a star-studded post-election lineup
In the weeks following the 2024 presidential election, the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics hosted a group of high-profile speakers. While the country grapples with the upcoming change in party leadership, the Harvard community had the opportunity to hear from experts across the political spectrum—journalists, politicians, and academics […]
When Luck Decides
Yale students face off over raffle tickets.
The legendary Harvard-Yale football match, known as “The Game,” is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year for both schools, drawing thousands of alumni to celebrate a rivalry dating back to 1875. Set to take place on Nov. 23 at noon in Harvard Stadium, the event promises to be a spirited gathering […]
Meet the New IOP Executive Board
The Harvard Institute of Politics’ newly elected executive board reflects on their vision for the future of the organization and their commitment to maintaining the organization’s nonpartisanship.
On Monday morning, the Harvard Institute of Politics (IOP) announced its newly elected executive board. Tenzin Gund-Morrow ’26 and Summer Tan ’26 were elected as President and Vice President, respectively, and will lead the IOP through 2025, alongside Kevin Bokoum ’26, Treasurer, and Lorenzo Ruiz ’27, Communications Director. Looking ahead, Gund-Morrow and Tan are eager […]
Abortion Rights in the U.S.
How history, the law, and recent elections have shaped access to abortion across the U.S.
Abortion has been a widely debated and often practiced medical procedure in the United States. For decades, reproductive rights, including abortion, were unregulated and largely ignored by law. However, by the 1860s, abortion bans were established at the state level, and in 1910 abortion was banned nationwide. In the past, banning abortion did not stop […]
It’s a Love Story, Boston, Just Say Yes
A conversation with the owners of Boston’s pop-up romance bookstore.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single person in possession of the ability to read, must be in want of a good love story. Romance novels have seen a huge uptick in popularity recently, with sales doubling over the past five years. In 2022, popular romance author Colleen Hoover’s novels outsold the Bible. […]
Uncertain Futures
How the 2024 election is redefining activism and autonomy.
Nov. 5 was a pivotal day for the country. The 2024 U.S. presidential election was considered by many to be the most important national election of our lifetimes. For millions, this election was more than a political contest—it represented a pivotal moment for civil liberties, personal autonomy, and the safety of marginalized communities. Across the […]
The Top 100 Harvard Students
An anonymously published list aims to rank undergraduates.
With the great range of interests and accomplishments that come from Harvard students, considering any one student superior to another can seem like an unreasonable task. Taking on this challenge, someone has written a document that attempted to definitively list Harvard College’s supposed “Top 100 Students.” Ironically, this list only included 99 names. Clicking a […]
A Look Beyond the Books: Harvard Hidden Talents
A deep dive into Harvard students’ exceptional inner genius
They can be found everywhere on campus—filling the lecture halls, waiting in line at the dining hall, studying on the tenth floor of the Smith Campus Center. But behind the typical school routine, many Harvard students possess extraordinary talents. Concealed away in dorm rooms, rehearsal spaces, or back in their hometowns, these students have incredible […]
Harvard’s Treasure Trove
A look at some course recommendations—gems or otherwise!
At 4 p.m. on Oct. 23, an email appeared in every Harvard student’s inbox, stating: Spring 2025 Registration Opens on Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. — Begin preparing for registration now! Operating under a different timeline from past course registrations, Harvard College’s new system has met conflicted responses from students. Many students are unsure of […]
HESMA Results Released
Results from Harvard’s Student Survey on Sexual Misconduct and Awareness (HEMSA) demonstrate University progress alongside room for improvement.
“We have more work to do,” President Alan Garber ’76 wrote, describing the results of the 2024 Higher Education Sexual Misconduct and Awareness (HESMA) survey in an Oct. 21 message to the Harvard community. Conducted in April, the survey polled 10 universities and gathered responses from 8,439 Harvard undergraduates and graduates, representing 35.1% of the […]
Cambridge’s Spooky Secrets
The ghostly figures lurking right outside your dorm.
Cambridge may seem like it’s just a residential town with students. Coffee shops, merchandise stores, and restaurants decorate every corner. However, Cambridge’s history extends far beyond its current bustling tourism and vibrant street life. If you’re looking for a haunted Halloween this year, look no further than the city bounds. Founded in 1630, Cambridge has […]
The Harvard Students Who Vote Socialist
Harvard undergraduates have organized a new student group to promote the Party for Socialism and Liberation’s platform and Claudia De la Cruz’s presidential candidacy.
Harvard Vote Socialist, a political organization founded on campus this September, has quickly mobilized a portion of Harvard undergraduate students to campaign for Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia, the 2024 presidential and vice-presidential candidates running on the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) ticket. The PSL, a left-wing anti-capitalist political party founded in […]
Where Does Harvard Swing?
Polls from Harvard’s swing state voters reflect the political diversity on campus compared to the rest of the country.
Election night is less than two weeks away. With seven swing states on track to decide November’s results, students from Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin will play a significant role in determining the nation’s president for the next four years. While Harvard consciously tries to have geographic diversity in each admitted […]
“We’re Not Going Back”
A profile on Harvard Students for Harris and their promotion of Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign.
“Personal freedoms.” “Access to education.” “Affordable healthcare.” Three Harvard students voiced reasons for supporting Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 presidential election in a reel on the Harvard Students for Harris Instagram. Originally known as Harvard for Biden in 2020 and again in 2024, Harvard Students for Harris was officially rebranded by co-presidents […]
In The News: The Independent’s 2024 Political Survey
Results from the Independent’s political survey of 391 undergraduates.
For our 2024 Political Issue, the Independent surveyed Harvard College undergraduates on their political beliefs and feelings towards the upcoming presidential election. Over a two-day period, we received 391 varying responses. Note that all questions were anonymous and optional, so not all 391 respondents answered every question. Demographics The survey received an almost even split […]
The Languages Less Taken
Harvard offers nearly 100 languages, yet undergraduates rarely enroll in courses on most of them.
Harvard College offers courses and tutorials on 98 world languages, with even more available upon special request. From Mandarin Chinese, spoken by 1.1 billion people worldwide, to Old Church Slavonic, a medieval proto-Slavic language only occasionally used in some Orthodox and Eastern-Rite Catholic church services today, undergraduate language offerings span continents and millennia—yet few students […]
To Be, or Not to Be (Pre-Med)
Hear from members of the Harvard community on various ways to solve the pre-med dilemma.
I sat down for a typical lunch at Annenberg. “So, what classes are you taking?” my table-mate asked, a classic conversation starter. “I’m taking a History of Science class, a Gen Ed on heart disease, and LS1a,” I responded, thinking about the work cut out for me later. “OMG, are you also a pre-med?” they […]
Behind the Wheel
How Harvard Undergraduate Automotive Society’s (HUAS) Formula SAE team is cruising toward becoming a powerhouse in collegiate motorsports.
There has never been a more exciting time to be a Harvard engineer. With the recently built $1 billion campus in Allston and its ever-growing student body of engineering, computer science, and applied mathematics concentrators, Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) has seen a meteoric rise. The most impressive part […]
Campus Chaos
Dangers on campus raise safety concerns among students.
Tuesday afternoon, students of the College received an email from Lauren Brandt, Associate Dean of Students, regarding increased safety measures on campus. This email came in the wake of a series of events that have jeopardized the safety of many students since their arrival on campus. After reading this email, we are left wondering how […]
Laughter, Gasps, and Scoffs…
Inside the thoughts of Democrats at Harvard as they watch Senator Vance and Governor Walz battle on the debate stage.
On the first night of October, I joined the Harvard Democrats at the Harvard Kennedy School for their watch party of the 2024 Vice Presidential Debate. As the table gathered, the room filled with excitement for the candidate they affectionately called “Coach Walz.” Around twenty-five people lined the room, loud chatter filling the space as […]
Unhoused in Harvard Square
Hearing the stories of people experiencing homelessness in Harvard Square.
The corner of Massachusetts Avenue and JFK Street is a popular spot for toiletries from CVS, matchas from Blank Street, and trips into Boston via the Red Line. However, it’s also a place for around twenty unhoused individuals to rest or to ask passersby for spare change. While most students and Cambridge residents ignore them, […]
When Roommates Collide
Harvard freshmen enter the arena—facing the tensions of dorm life.
Tensions are escalating, boundaries are blurring, and tempers are flaring as students clash over shared bedrooms, colonized common rooms, and personal space. These housing disputes continue to shake up dorm life and test the limits of cohabitation. Living arrangements for the Class of 2028 vary widely across campus, with each first-year dorm offering unique amenities […]
California in Cambridge
The transition from West to East.
Trading in their flip-flops and eternal sunshine for rain boots and 4 p.m. sunsets, Harvard students from California quickly learn that attending a college on the East Coast entails more than just a new campus—it’s about learning a whole new lifestyle. Part of this lifestyle includes adjusting to a revised schedule, room, and curriculum along […]
A Look Behind Closed Doors
A spotlight on the peer counseling resources at Harvard.
Tucked between a common room, laundry machines, and the Office of BGLTQ, some of Harvard’s most useful peer counseling resources remain hidden. While Harvard’s Counseling and Mental Health Services (CAMHS) boasts a plethora of professional support, the peer counseling resources offer a private yet welcoming space free from judgment. Harvard has six different peer counseling […]
The Founding of Harvard Faculty for Israel
New faculty-organized group signals support for Israeli students and provides a safe space on campus.
Over the past year, Harvard has received extensive media attention, been called into a congressional hearing, and is now facing a lawsuit over antisemitism. Many groups formed in response to this challenging time on campus, including the Presidential Task Force on Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias, the Presidential Task Force on Combating Anti-Muslim, Anti-Arab, and […]
Do Bots Teach Better Than People?
Harvard courses test out AI tutors to supplement student learning
As we enter the last week of September, school is starting to feel real again. But as everyone is locking in following their summer hiatus, there is one topic no one wants a refresher on: AI and the use of ChatGPT in the classroom. Ever since ChatGPT shook the academic world, teachers and administrators have […]
Meet the Class of 2028
Harvard releases a surprising Class of 2028 racial profile following the Supreme Court’s 2023 strike down of affirmative action.
In the wake of the June 2023 Supreme Court ruling addressing race-conscious college admissions, Harvard College’s Class of 2028 is of national interest. Since preserving diversity in American education is essential for high-quality instruction and the democratic strength of our nation, the College is at the forefront of this discussion. “Everyone wants to know, how […]
A Pre-O is the Way to Go
Harvard freshmen speak on their positive experiences participating in one of Harvard’s six pre-orientation programs.
As the Class of 2028 anticipated their first week at Harvard, a portion of particularly eager first-years arrived on campus seven days early to participate in one of six pre-orientation programs, more commonly dubbed “pre-o’s.” From backpacking through Vermont to singing “Party in the USA” with fellow international peers, the First-Year Arts Program (FAP), First-Year […]
Crimson Creators
Meet the Harvard students making a name for themselves online.
In our current digital and cultural age, Harvard students are making their mark not only in academics but also online, cultivating followings across various social media platforms. From YouTube vlogs to TikToks, Harvard content creators have leveraged their unique Harvard experiences to inspire and connect with audiences within the college and worldwide. Helen Piltner ’25 […]
Dearly Departed Dean
Dean Rakesh Khurana is set to complete his tenure as the Danoff Dean of Harvard College in June 2025.
Harvard College Dean Rakesh Khurana, the longest-serving Harvard College Dean in more than a century, will step down at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, marking the end of his 11-year tenure. Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra, Edgerley Family Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science, announced Khurana’s decision to depart his deanship on […]
A New Democratic National Convention
Harvard students reflect on the Harris-Walz ticket and the newfound patriotism at the DNC.
From Aug. 19 to 22, Chicago welcomed 50,000 delegates, volunteers, and attendees to the Democratic National Convention. The DNC occurs every four years in the midst of the election cycle, serving formally as an opportunity for delegates to elect the Democratic nominee and informally for the party to share its message with the American public. […]
In the News: In Case You Missed It
Harvard University administrative and campus news updates from Summer 2024.
Harvard Announces its New President: On Aug. 2, Penny Pritzker, Senior Fellow of the Harvard Corporation, announced in a message to the Harvard community that Interim President Alan Garber ’76 will serve as the University’s president through the 2026-27 academic year. This puts an end, for now, to the presidential search that was initially poised […]
Summer Snapshots from the Independent
Inside the Indy’s off-campus adventures.
Time flies when you’re chasing passions, as the Indy staff discovered this summer. Fewer responsibilities, no classes, and better weather—what more could one ask for? But as the season winds down, it’s time to transition from these sun-soaked, carefree days to the structured, rigorous days of the academic year. This also means that the Independent […]
Meet the Harvard Students Who Helped Bring Paris 2024 to Life
You know the student-athletes who competed. Now get to know the students who worked there.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games were historic for Harvard. Athletes that currently represent or formerly competed for the Crimson won a total of 13 medals, the highest medal count for the university since the 1896 Olympic Games. This year’s games also saw an 82% increase in viewership compared to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, amassing over […]
All About John Manning
What to know about Harvard University’s next provost.
“Everybody likes John, everybody trusts John,” said HLS Charles Warren Professor of Legal History Michael J. Klarman in an interview with The Crimson. After serving as Harvard University’s Interim Provost since March, Harvard confirmed on Aug. 15 that John Manning ’82 will permanently retain his position. As political and social tensions surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict […]
“This Time, It’s Different.”
Gabriel Ferrer ’26 speaks on Venezuela’s post-election crisis and his role in raising awareness at Harvard.
“We need the world to know what is happening in Venezuela,” declared Gabriel Ferrer ’26 on an Instagram reel that has since reached almost 18 thousand views. He went on to give a passionate rundown of Venezuela’s current post-election crisis. “We’re now in the process of defending the truth, and we’re asking the international community […]
From the Consulting Pipeline to the Culinary World
How Joanne Chang ’91 started from scratch to run beloved Boston chain Flour Bakery.
Nestled across the street from The Charles Hotel on 114 Mt. Auburn Street, Flour Bakery + Cafe is a favorite among Harvard students, tourists, and Cambridge residents alike. The menu is varied yet simple. From pastries to sandwiches to bowls, it is clear that every item is crafted with detail and thoughtfulness. A cozy spot […]
Claim to Fame
Exploring new features and strategic shifts from the Claim app.
“Get in Claimer, we’re going shopping.” This alert from the app Claim is one of many enticing notifications students receive, signaling the latest deals available for the week. Claim is an app designed to create what its co-founder and CEO, Sam Obletz, calls “easy and affordable memories.” Launched at Harvard in January 2023, the app […]
Harvard Encampment Remains Optimistic, Despite Murky Path to Divestment
HOOP’s commitment to divestment is strong, but a lack of clarity about the extent of Harvard’s financial ties to Israel makes the end goal uncertain.
Since Wednesday, April 24, the Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine Coalition (HOOP) has erected an encampment, consisting of around 40 tents, around University Hall in Harvard Yard. This encampment followed similar protests at Columbia and Yale. Many of these encampments have seen chaotic and violent scenes, with police called to disperse participants, leading to hundreds […]
Pro-Palestinian Students Set Up Encampment in Harvard Yard
Shortly before noon on Wednesday, April 24, pro-Palestinian students and protesters ran into Harvard Yard carrying tents, signs, and food, quickly setting up an encampment in front of University Hall. Forming an organization called the “Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine Coalition,” also known as HOOP, members vow to occupy Harvard Yard until Harvard divests from […]
May the Foam be With You
Behind the suds of Mather Lather XVII: The Empire Strikes Bath.
We all know that famous line from Star Wars: Episode V –The Empire Strikes Back: “Luke, I am not your Father, I am your Foamdaddy.” Oh, wait, that one is from Episode XVII, The Empire Strikes Bath. Well, Harvard nightlife might be “a movie” after Mather HoCo struck again last Friday night in a galaxy […]
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.
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 […]
Stories from Sex-Positive Women and Femmes
Harvard students discuss sex, relationships, and consent.
At Harvard, nearly two-thirds of students arrive as virgins. Many students experiment sexually for the first time here. As with many universities, women and femme individuals often navigate gendered sexual expectations. I interviewed sex-positive women and femme students to explore their experiences. I had several questions. Are Rice Purity Scores an accurate measurement of sexual […]
“Our House, Our Home”
PBHA’s Community Cabinet event marks another year of collaborative community engagement in its 120-year history.
Phillips Brooks House Association’s (PBHA) Parlor Room buzzed with lively discussion as students gathered for this year’s Community Cabinet. Held on March 27, this event is the only time of the year when PBHA’s program directors, officers, volunteers, and staff all meet in the same room with leaders from several partner organizations. PBHA invites partners […]
Fighting 4 Progress with Food 4 Thought
A Harvard-led initiative uniting students and experts to transform our food systems.
Food is the cornerstone of our existence, shaping not only our health and well-being but also the very fabric of society—it affects our health, culture, and our planet. Yet, the profound impact of our food choices often goes unnoticed, from the staggering heaps of discarded food clogging up our landfills to how our dietary choices […]
“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.
“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 […]
Sex (Mis)Education
The state of sex ed in the United States.
The majority (57%) of students in the United States have sex before graduating from high school, according to the Guttmacher Institute. At a time when teenagers are having sex earlier and with more partners than ever before, providing access to medically accurate and nondiscriminatory sex education is crucial to ensuring that adolescents can engage in […]
Quest for Knowledge: The Senior Thesis
Narratives of intellectual exploration and discovery.
In the heart of many undergraduate academic journeys lies a pinnacle moment, representing years of learning, exploration, and dedication: the senior thesis. Crafting a senior thesis allows students to get involved in a rewarding process of exploring new challenges that leave a lasting impact on their lives. The senior thesis is a research project, typically […]
Mouse-Capades
Horror stories behind Harvard’s mice infestation.
The Harvard mice are more like you than you may want to admit; you both are in search of good food, comfy nesting quarters, and nighttime action. My roommate was the first to arrive on campus in early August, brimming with excitement to move into our dorm. As she climbed the stairs of Canaday’s concrete […]
A Professor’s Break
Harvard University educators discuss their opinions on the current structure of Spring Break.
Spring Break has come to an end. As we resume our final stretch of classes, we often disregard how much changes within the one-week University-wide break. As the campus quiets down and lecture halls empty, students attempt to immediately disconnect from the academic stresses of college and “forget about” their professors and classes. But Harvard’s […]
Let’s Taco-bout it.
A review of Achilito’s Taqueria.
Every Harvard student’s good night out ends at one of the Square’s renowned late-night Mexican-style eateries. With this comes a fun debate on the walk home from a party over whether Jefe’s or Felipe’s will ultimately satisfy that 2 a.m. craving. The die-hard fans of each of these establishments will happily engage you with their […]
Here’s the Tea on Bubble Tea
Ten One Tea House: Harvard Square’s newest boba addition.
If you are an avid bubble tea fan, like many college students are, here is some exciting news: on March 1, a brand new bubble tea shop, Ten One Tea House, opened in Harvard Square on the corner of JFK and Winthrop Street. This Boston-area chain has finally come to Harvard’s campus. Priding itself on […]
Beyond Stereotypes: Finding Home with PBHA
Unveiling Harvard’s commitment to social responsibility through PBHA.
Within Harvard, the stereotype often prevails: it is “a place where people prioritize making money over changing the world,” Alexandra Arguello ’27, a student in the Harvard Undergraduate Legal Committee (HULC), acknowledges. This perception stems from the College’s prestigious reputation and the predominant notion that its students are solely focused on personal achievement. Beneath this […]
High On Life: Sobriety on a College Campus
Keeping it cool without the wine-coolers.
Harvard students hail from all corners of the world, ranging from major cities to small villages, from diverse public schools to prestigious boarding academies. No matter where they come from, however, statistics suggest most of them encounter a radically different drinking culture when they arrive. The Crimson’s survey of the Class of 2027 found that […]
From Beater to Better
Quad Bikes advances biking ease and enjoyment on campus and in Quad culture.
Campus cruiser, beater bike, not-an-electric-scooter—the bikes Harvard students ride around campus go by many names. What they often all have in common is their various stages of disrepair. For many students, giving their bikes the Tender Loving Care they deserve rarely makes it to the top of the to-do list. Most bike shops are pricey, […]
My Classroom, My Rules?
Harvard University leadership and professors have been forced to update their protest and dissent policies after campus controversy.
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 […]
In the News: Antisemitic Cartoon, Degree Devaluation
Latest campus controversies lead to legal backlash.
On the evening of Feb. 20, Harvard University Interim President Alan M. Garber ’76 released a statement “unequivocally condemning the posting and sharing” of an anti-semitic cartoon by the Palestine Solidarity Committee and African American Resistance Organization. The cartoon, which was part of a newsletter circulated during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, depicts […]
Naked Data
Sungjoo Yoon ’27 exposes anonymized Rice Purity Test scores to underscore risks of Big Data.
Sungjoo Yoon ’27 has been recently referred to as the “Datamatch hacker,” but he’d rather you call him “bernie marx,” the pseudonym under which he published his Feb. 25 website, styled “the data privacy project.” It describes security vulnerabilities in the nationwide college matchmaking app Datamatch, which caused an uproar amongst Sidechat contributors and campus […]
Home Sweet Home…Or Is It?
A look into the blocking process ahead of Housing Day.
Forget your spring break or reading period travel plans. There is a much more pressing decision that you and your friends must make in your group chats: blocking. As is customary every year, Harvard first-years must sort themselves into “blocking groups” of up to eight people to participate in the housing lottery and get randomly […]
In the News: Harvard Leadership Subpoenaed by House Committee
U.S. House committee subpoenas Harvard University over antisemitism investigation for the first time in history.
This past Friday, a congressional committee investigating campus antisemitism took the unprecedented action of issuing multiple subpoenas to Harvard University six weeks after hearings into antisemitism on campus triggered the resignation of former President Claudine Gay. The subpoenas set a deadline of 5 P.M. on March 4th for Harvard officials to produce the series of […]
Data-Driven Dating
Harvard’s Datamatch uses mysterious Algorithm™ to foster community relationships.
’Twas the week before Valentine’s, when all through Harvard, singles were stirring, with hope in their hearts. Their survey answers were entered into Datamatch with care, in hopes that finding love soon would be there. The lonesome were nestled, all snug in their beds, while a computerized cupid “Algorithm™” toiled, several steps ahead. Harvard students […]
In The News
Short briefings of upcoming news developments on Harvard’s campus poised to make waves.
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 […]
Stop and Smell the Roses
A profile on John Selletto’s Petali Flowers.
In the heart of Harvard Square, tucked away on Mount Auburn Street, sits Petali Flowers—a floral boutique that has been a community staple since its owner, John Selletto, opened the store in 1989. Walking into Petali feels like stepping into a different world. Surrounded by every color under the sun and the delicate fragrance of […]
Are We Ready for It?
What to expect from Harvard’s first-ever Taylor Swift course.
Whether you are in her top 0.5% of Spotify listeners or only listen to her music when forced to while shopping, it is safe to say that we have all had a run-in with Taylor Swift. But for people in Lowell Lecture Hall every Monday and Wednesday from 12:00-1:15 P.M., what was once their guilty […]
Why is Harvard So Single?
Many Harvard students have a lonely Valentine’s Day. Why is love so hard to find at Harvard?
“Lowest acceptance rate and lowest body counts” is how Sidechat, the anonymous social media app, characterizes the Ivy League. While it’s a bit rude, the quote isn’t entirely wrong. According to The Crimson, approximately twenty-five percent of respondents in the graduating Class of 2022 survey were single for all four of their college years, and […]
Varo House: The Future of Harvard Parties?
New event-planning organization introduces itself with a surrealist launch party.
Walking into Varo House’s launch party on Friday, February 2nd, guests were struck with a sense that this party was something different—no small detail had gone unplanned or unnoticed. From the decoration to the guest list to the drinks menu, the founders of Varo House had clearly put a lot of thought into their first […]
Unconventional Study Abroad Culture
Why so few Harvard students study abroad during the semester and the international experiences they seek instead.
College admissions officers flaunt study abroad rates and course credit transfers. At many schools, study abroad opportunities can be the pinnacle of students’ college experiences. Yet, Harvard students rarely study abroad during the fall and spring semesters. Is it due to the lack of opportunity for credit transfer? FOMO if all your friends stay on […]
A Conversation With Dr. Carol Swain
Dr. Carol Swain is one of the scholars whom former Harvard President Claudine Gay is accused of plagiarizing.
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 […]
“Dissent, Disagreement and Democracy”
JFK Jr. Forum kicks off 2024 with a discussion important to campus life.
As Harvard grapples with the fallout from responses to the Oct. 7th attacks against Israel, the campus has become a microcosm of global discord. The recent months have been tumultuous, marked by Claudine Gay’s resignation as University President, the controversial exposure of pro-Palestinian students’ personal details, and relentless advocacy from both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian factions. […]
Living in New Haven May Not Be That Bad
A criticism of Harvard’s housing system and why it should adopt Yale’s
“Say WHAT? SAY-BROOK!” From the nostalgic cheer of Saybrook College to the newer formation of Benjamin Franklin College, Yale’s housing system has evolved to aid in the growth of its student body through forging unique social and intellectual communities. And although Harvard’s fated rivalry often leads to the condemnation of everything associated with Yale University, […]
Different Schools, Different Languages
Despite differences in Harvard and Yale’s school colloquialisms, the differences don’t run quite as deep as one would think.
The Harvard-Yale rivalry is entrenched in everything, not just football. Yale merch is informally forbidden on Harvard’s campus and jokes disparaging bulldogs and New Haven are abundant in Cambridge. There are significant differences between Harvard and Yale that are unrelated to football that fuel the rivalry between the schools. Harvard and Yale’s differences expand to […]
Choose Your Own Adventure
As the late-October deadline passes, students select a variety of academic paths.
As the fall semester flies by, Harvard’s sophomores meet the October 25th deadline to declare their concentrations. With potential options ranging from Folklore and Mythology to Human Development and Regenerative Biology, the College has no shortage of opportunities for students to explore vast intellectual possibilities. The yearly concentration declaration period broadcasts the unique ways that […]
Harvard, Driven to its Breaking Point
The origin of the billboard truck circling Harvard’s campus and its complicated history.
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 […]
Turning Trash into Treasure
Uncovering Harvard’s hidden initiatives towards food waste.
Standing by the conveyor belt in the dining hall whisking away dirty dishes, I watched hordes of Harvard students neglect half eaten sandwiches and spaghetti and meatballs piled high on their trays without second thoughts. In Annenberg Hall, students prioritize fueling their bodies while the dining services prioritize making the experience of eating dinner as […]
A New Prius of The Central Nervous System
How Harvard’s psychology and neuroscience education evolves with new scientific discoveries.
A cure for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases may have been hiding from neuroscientists for decades. As Harvard students prepared for back-to-school, researchers at the University of Lausanne were glued to the microscope as they discovered a new type of brain cell, glutamatergic astrocytes. As a hybrid of two well-studied cells—neurons and glial cells—these specialized astrocytes […]