Harvard will no longer comment on matters unrelated to its institution’s “core function,” the university announced Tuesday, a decision made after months of turmoil over the Israel-Hamas war.
The recommendation that the school not comment on controversial public issues came from a report led by the “Institutional Voice Working Group” that the school created in April.
The report “argues that when the University ‘speaks on the record about matters outside its institutional area of expertise,’ such statements risk compromising the ‘integrity and credibility’ of our academic mission and can undermine open inquiry and academic freedom, making it ‘more difficult for some members of the community to express their views when they differ from the university’s official position,’” the school said in its statement announcing the report and new policy.
“We accept the report and recommendations of the Faculty Working Group, which have also been endorsed by the Harvard Corporation,” the statement reads.
The new policy will affect university administrators, school deans and department heads.
This comes after the university experienced multiple controversies this year related to the Israel-Hamas war, from the resignation of its former president to the pro-Palestine camp.
“There will be close cases in which reasonable people will disagree about whether or not a given issue is directly related to the core function of the university,” the report stated. “The university’s policy in these situations should be to err and avoid official statements.”
This tactic aligns with decades-long debates about “institutional neutrality” in academia. Institutional neutrality states that universities should not take public positions on controversial current issues, so as not to influence open debate on their campuses.
But Harvard does not want to be labeled neutral with this stance.
“The purpose of the university is to seek the truth. In this pursuit, the university as an institution can never be neutral, because we believe in the value of seeking the truth through open inquiry, debate, and evaluation of evidence, as opposed to mere assertion or unwarranted belief “, says the beginning of the report.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
Post Views: 149
Harvard leaders no longer comment on issues unrelated to ‘core function’
Harvard will no longer comment on matters unrelated to its institution’s “core function,” the university announced Tuesday, a decision made after months of turmoil over the Israel-Hamas war.
The recommendation that the school not comment on controversial public issues came from a report led by the “Institutional Voice Working Group” that the school created in April.
The report “argues that when the University ‘speaks on the record about matters outside its institutional area of expertise,’ such statements risk compromising the ‘integrity and credibility’ of our academic mission and can undermine open inquiry and academic freedom, making it ‘more difficult for some members of the community to express their views when they differ from the university’s official position,’” the school said in its statement announcing the report and new policy.
“We accept the report and recommendations of the Faculty Working Group, which have also been endorsed by the Harvard Corporation,” the statement reads.
The new policy will affect university administrators, school deans and department heads.
This comes after the university experienced multiple controversies this year related to the Israel-Hamas war, from the resignation of its former president to the pro-Palestine camp.
“There will be close cases in which reasonable people will disagree about whether or not a given issue is directly related to the core function of the university,” the report stated. “The university’s policy in these situations should be to err and avoid official statements.”
This tactic aligns with decades-long debates about “institutional neutrality” in academia. Institutional neutrality states that universities should not take public positions on controversial current issues, so as not to influence open debate on their campuses.
But Harvard does not want to be labeled neutral with this stance.
“The purpose of the university is to seek the truth. In this pursuit, the university as an institution can never be neutral, because we believe in the value of seeking the truth through open inquiry, debate, and evaluation of evidence, as opposed to mere assertion or unwarranted belief “, says the beginning of the report.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
Support fearless, independent journalism
We are not owned by a billionaire or shareholders – our readers support us. Donate any amount over $2. BNC Global Media Group is a global news organization that delivers fearless investigative journalism to discerning readers like you! Help us to continue publishing daily.
Support us just once
We accept support of any size, at any time – you name it for $2 or more.
Court allows key part of Biden’s student loan relief plan to resume
For many teachers, summer vacation is no such thing
From the classroom to the podium: US student athletes’ journey to the Olympics
Oklahoma state superintendent directs schools to incorporate the Bible and Ten Commandments into teaching
Related
Court allows key part of Biden’s student loan relief plan to resume
For many teachers, summer vacation is no such thing
From the classroom to the podium: US student athletes’ journey to the Olympics
Oklahoma state superintendent directs schools to incorporate the Bible and Ten Commandments into teaching
New York public schools plan to ban cell phones
More
Newsom and Democratic leaders abandon their anti-crime ballot measure
Verizon Outage Updates – Service Down for Hundreds as Customers Report Issues
Walmart shoppers brand ‘stupid new strollers’ as ‘annoyingly loud’ – and parents claim it’s no longer ‘safe’ for kids
Russia plans to create new space station core by 2030
Newsom, Democratic leaders launch rival anti-crime ballot measure
2024 elections: Leaders intensify attacks as frantic final days of campaigning begin | Politics News
Louisiana Ten Commandments Classroom Requirement Funding, Imposed Issues
S Jaishankar discusses trade, technology and global issues with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani
Hungarian populist Orbán will assume EU presidency while many issues are at stake
American and British voters share deep roots. In 2024, they also distrust their own leaders
2024 General Elections: Party leaders go out fighting as the campaign enters its final days | Politics News
German far-right party reelects its leaders after election gains while opponents protest
Four in 10 voters say the presidential debate is more theater than issues – and point out a major flaw in CNN
I used 2 cheap skin care products to moisturize my skin and ended up growing out my short eyelashes – now they are longer and thicker
Mark Cavendish struggling with stomach issues and heat during the opening stage of the Tour de France
Takeaways: How Trump’s Potential Vice Presidential Pick Has Changed on LGBTQ+ Issues as His Presidential Bid Approaches
Takeaways: How Trump’s Potential Vice Presidential Pick Has Changed on LGBTQ+ Issues as His Presidential Bid Approaches
Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine and issues new threats as the West tries to ease the pressure
How Trump’s Possible Vice Presidential Pick Has Changed on LGBTQ+ Issues as His Presidential Bid Approaches
Election campaign trails: How party leaders are raising the stakes as voting day approaches | UK News
Aiyuk Explains Why He Made 49ers ‘Don’t Want Me Back’ Comment
New portrait of King released as Queen Camilla issues rare statement in support of the armed forces | UK News
NASA astronauts will remain on the space station longer to troubleshoot the Boeing capsule
EU leaders have tapped their top brass. Von der Leyen must win over parliament to keep her job
Harvard grad Gabby Thomas balances training for Paris while working at a Texas health clinic
Clearance sales up to 25% as popular 8,000-site discount store closes – bosses say business ‘no longer sustains’
Customers across the country face delays in paying wages – as HSBC and Virgin Money users hit by banking issues | Business News
Trump and Biden confuse political issues and each other in a debate that becomes deeply personal
Iowa leaders want the suspension of the abortion law to go into effect. The state’s highest court will rule on Friday
Conor McGregor issues four-word DEFIANT statement on injury as Dana White refuses to discuss new UFC return date
‘Nothing but a gift’, trolls criticize bride over ‘tacky’ wedding invitation they would throw in the ‘trash’
KeKe Jabbar shared ‘heartbreaking’ final video with son Ace before Love & Marriage: Huntsville star’s sudden death at 42
‘The night is resolved!’ fashion fans rave about Primark’s latest nostalgic return to the 90s and it’s a total bargain too
I Have the Best Skin Care Trick to Stop Getting Wrinkles ANYWHERE on My Body — It Takes Seconds and Doctors Approve
First Take guest divides viewers with Dak Prescott’s claim as fans laugh ‘that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year’