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Mary T. Bassett's FXB Center Exit Sparks Controversy

12/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

Mary T. Bassett will depart as director of Harvard's François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights (FXB Center), effective January 9, 2026.
More than 1,000 affiliates signed a petition seeking her reinstatement over academic freedom concerns.
Dean Andrea Baccarelli says the FXB Center will focus on children's health, drawing criticism.
The administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump pressured Harvard over antisemitism allegations, drawing scrutiny of the FXB Center.

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Story summary

Mary T. Bassett will depart as director of Harvard's François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health and Human Rights (FXB Center), effective January 9, 2026.
More than 1,000 affiliates signed a petition seeking her reinstatement over academic freedom concerns.
Dean Andrea Baccarelli says the FXB Center will focus on children's health, drawing criticism.
The administration of U.S. President Donald J. Trump pressured Harvard over antisemitism allegations, drawing scrutiny of the FXB Center.