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Harvard President Calls for Objectivity Amid Free Speech Debate

1/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Harvard University President Alan Garber said that allowing professors to express personal views in the classroom harms free speech.
He called for objectivity in teaching and for a movement to restore balance.
Garber spoke after criticism of Harvard's response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel.
Harvard professor James Hankins announced his retirement, citing coronavirus policies and George Floyd riots' impact on admissions, with bias against white male applicants emerging.

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Story summary

Harvard University President Alan Garber said that allowing professors to express personal views in the classroom harms free speech.
He called for objectivity in teaching and for a movement to restore balance.
Garber spoke after criticism of Harvard's response to the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks on Israel.
Harvard professor James Hankins announced his retirement, citing coronavirus policies and George Floyd riots' impact on admissions, with bias against white male applicants emerging.