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Susan Schaefer's avatar

I've loved watching Harvard's turnaround, from the brand that took so many punches to the rare one that punches back. Hard. It's, unfortunately, a model we need right now. I'm seeing a few higher ed institutions prepare to follow suit. Fingers crossed that it's an avalanche.

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Lyn Chamberlin's avatar

Absolutely agree @susanschaefer. I worry more about the mid and smaller colleges that don't have the bandwidth or the endowment to fight. Many are hanging by a thread, post-Covid, as it is.

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Great piece. I'm proud of Harvard for stepping up to the challenge. It's hard to do when the lives and future livelihoods of so many current and future students in the Harvard system and in other school systems are at risk. More power to this admirable Ivy, even with it's occasional history of bad choices and tone deaf ideas, it's working for the benefit of everyone and not just its own endowments. Hopefully others WILL follow. We have to stand up to the bullying and lawlessness. It's a matter of life and death, isn't it?

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Lyn Chamberlin's avatar

On sooo many levels, @nantepper. If any institution can stand up and say NO to the bullying and the blackmail, it's Harvard. If only more of the law firms could do the same. One step forward?

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Nan Tepper's avatar

Here’s hoping. The concerns grow daily. What’s terrifying to me is that people are refusing to acknowledge the fascism that’s taken hold of this country.

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Lyn Chamberlin's avatar

I hear faint hoofbeats, but they are too few and too far between.

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Bil DeAscentiis's avatar

Really appreciate this perspective, Lyn. My daughter is currently at Harvard, and the emotional climate on campus has been in constant flux: fear, anger, and now a kind of resolve. It’s been intense to witness as both a parent and citizen. Watching Harvard choose to hold the line really does feel like a turning point. Thanks for putting words to that.

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Lyn Chamberlin's avatar

Hi @billdeascentis. I so appreciate your comment -- it must be very hard watching your daughter experience this tumult and uncertainty. College is tough enough and this adds a whole other layer. I wish her well.

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Bil DeAscentiis's avatar

Thanks so much, Lyn. My daughter has always had a natural activist spirit, but this is next level. She’s called me in tears more than once over the past few weeks. A lot of her closest friends are international students, so the fear isn’t just theoretical, it’s immediate and personal. I’m grateful she’s finding her voice, even in the middle of all this. And grateful for posts like yours that help make sense of it.

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Lyn Chamberlin's avatar

I’m so sorry that she and her friends are suffering. Thanks for connecting here.

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