Full Breakdown
Harvard Students Challenge Proposed Grading Reform as Racially Harmful
4/24/2026, 3:48:44 AM
Student Petition Against Grading Policy
A group of Harvard University students has initiated a petition opposing the institution's proposed grading reform, labeling it "racist." The petition, spearheaded by freshman Angelina Agostini, argues that the new policy, which aims to implement a cap on A grades, disproportionately affects first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students and students of color. The petition claims that the grading policy, framed as a neutral "differentiation," actually reinforces existing racial and socioeconomic hierarchies. Agostini and her co-signers contend that the policy would exacerbate the structural inequities that these marginalized students face even before arriving on campus.
Background on Grading Reform
On March 30, 2026, Amanda Claybaugh, the dean of undergraduate education, announced a postponement of the grading reform until fall 2027. This reform was initially proposed following a report indicating that over 60% of grades awarded to Harvard undergraduates were A's, a significant increase compared to two decades ago. The report highlighted a trend of grade inflation that began in the late 2010s and intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised policy will now include adjustments to how the cap on A grades is calculated and introduce a new "SAT+" grade within the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading system.
Criticism of the Proposed Changes
Agostini's petition emphasizes that the proposed grading policy would shift the burden of institutional decisions onto marginalized students while ignoring the potential harm caused by such policies. The petitioners argue that "so-called ‘neutral’ standards can produce racial outcomes without discriminatory intent," and they urge the faculty to consider the historical context of Harvard's policies, which they describe as "sexist, racist, and classist." They call for a focus on the well-being of all students rather than on the university's reputation.
Official Responses
In response to the backlash, Harvard University has not publicly commented on the petition or the specific concerns raised by the students. However, the administration has acknowledged the need for reform in grading practices, as indicated by the postponement of the proposed changes.
Verbatim Quotes
- "The proposed grading policy is blatantly racist. Its harms are not hypothetical and have a history of heavily harming and burdening students of color and first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students." — Angelina Agostini, Harvard Student
- "Policies like this shift the costs of institutional decisions onto marginalized students while dismissing the resulting harm as accidental or nonexistent." — Angelina Agostini, Harvard Student
- "Let us work together in shaping a future that is supportive for all students while also expanding upon Harvard’s rigorous educational environment." — Angelina Agostini, Harvard Student
What's Next
As the debate continues, Harvard's administration will likely face increasing pressure to address the concerns raised by students regarding the proposed grading reform. The university's response and any further developments in the grading policy will be closely monitored by both students and faculty.
