Harvard Promises Changes After Reports on Antisemitism and Islamophobia
New York TimesMAY 1
Harvard Finds Proof of Antisemitism, Islamophobia on Campus
Above: People walk through Harvard Yard on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2025. Image copyright: Joseph Prezioso/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Harvard's failure to protect Jewish students in particular reflects a serious lapse in campus leadership. Tolerating antisemitic harassment undercuts academic integrity and safety. The university's delayed response signals indifference, fostering a hostile environment where Jewish voices feel silenced rather than supported. Immediate, decisive action — not just apologies — is overdue and essential.
Democratic narrative
Harvard's president issuing a formal apology for both campus antisemitism and Islamophobia is an important acknowledgment of past failures. It signals institutional accountability and empathy toward affected students. While words alone aren't enough, this apology lays the groundwork for healing, setting a tone for meaningful action and renewed commitment to inclusivity and respect.