originally published in The Chattanooga Times Free Press
Reading the emails from Harvard president Alan Garber that accompanied my various 55th reunion invitations was enlightening. It looks like there’s a movement to take Harvard back to its origins in 1636 when Harvard catered to wealthy, White Christians. DEI didn’t exist then, or in the 1900s when Harvard’s president tried to suppress the number of Jewish immigrants like my dad. Fortunately, diversity became an asset with Harvard’s merged with the women’s Radcliffe College in 1967. The bans on Cliffies from campus areas like Lamont Library were lifted. Exciting! But an equitable presence wasn’t easy given the signs defacing library walls: “Cliffies Go Home!”
Success! That was my response to my 55th reunion invitation to Radcliffe Day honoring diverse women innovators. But then I read Garber’s first email: “…the federal government’s task force to combat antisemitism issued a letter putting at risk almost $9 billion in support of research at Harvard and other institutions, including hospitals in our community… they are considering this action because they are concerned that the University has not fulfilled its obligations to curb and combat antisemitic harassment.”
Yes, Harvard’s handling of pro-Hamas protests and antisemitism is questionable. But does Trump’s administration understand that Garber is Jewish? Apparently, the task force ignored Garber’s explanation: “I have experienced antisemitism directly, even while serving as president, and I know how damaging it can be to a student who has come to learn and make friends … For the past fifteen months, we have devoted considerable effort to addressing antisemitism. We have strengthened our rules and our approach to disciplining those who violate them. We have enhanced training and education on antisemitism across our campus and introduced measures to support our Jewish community and ensure student safety and security.”
I held my breath reading Garber’s next email: “Late Friday night, the administration issued an updated and expanded list of demands… Although some of the demands outlined by the government are aimed at combating antisemitism, the majority represent direct governmental regulation of the “intellectual conditions” at Harvard…They include requirements to “audit” the viewpoints of our student body, faculty, staff, …” Garber described how Trump planned to reduce the power of certain students, faculty, and administrators because of their ideological views.
Garber response was historic: “We have informed the administration through our legal counsel that we will not accept their proposed agreement. The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.” Trump’s people continued the antisemitism excuse: “Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism — driven by its spineless leadership”. Then came retribution. Trump removed $2 billion for Harvard’s research, threatened to remove its tax-exempt status and suggested that international students should “Go Home!”.
The push back was immediate. Several universities supported Harvard. Late night comedians cited “Revenge of the Nerds”. Trump’s folks gave a goofy excuse that the letter of demands wasn’t authorized. Then yes, it was authorized, but sent by mistake. And then, blamed Harvard: “It was malpractice on the side of Harvard’s lawyers not to pick up the phone and call the members of the antisemitism task force…”
Garber didn’t cave. His 3rd email announced Harvard’s law suit against the Trump administration: “The Government has not—and cannot—identify any rational connection between antisemitism concerns and the medical, scientific, technological, and other research it has frozen that aims to save American lives, foster American success, preserve American security, and maintain America’s position as a global leader in innovation.”
I live in hope that Garber is right about “… the enduring promise that America’s colleges and universities hold for our country and our world.” We should expect this 2025 Radcliffe Day will uphold that promise.
- Instruct and inspire with our stories – by Deborah Levine - June 23, 2025
- Douse Fireworks; Embrace Laser Light Shows – by Deborah Levine - June 21, 2025
- July 4th Prayer – by Deborah Levine - June 21, 2025
Thank you for writing, Deborah. I enjoyed reading your op-ed, and I’m very grateful for your willingness to advocate for Harvard. In these challenging times, we are fortunate to have alumnae and friends who will stand with the University.
I hope that you enjoy your 55th Reunion—and that you’ll say hello if you see me on campus.
Alan