Harvard to Avoid Taking Public Stands on Irrelevant Issues

Harvard University has announced its decision to refrain from taking positions on matters that are not "relevant to the core function of the university." This decision comes after the faculty committee recommended that the university should significantly reduce its involvement in addressing current issues.

If implemented, Harvard would cease issuing official statements of empathy, as it has done in the past for events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Hamas attacks in Israel. The report highlighted that issuing such statements carries the risk of appearing biased towards certain events and alienating members of the community by implicitly showing solidarity with others.

Institutional Voice Working Group

The report, issued by the university's Institutional Voice Working Group, which comprises eight faculty members, outlined a set of principles and a recommended path forward. The administration and governing board have accepted these recommendations.

Harvard University's decision to restrict its involvement in non-core matters reflects a commitment to maintain neutrality and inclusivity within its community.