In advance of Harvard admissions trial, president defends University processes
As Harvard prepares to defend its admissions policies in U.S. District Court in Boston next Monday, the University’s new president delivered an unambiguous message on Wednesday: “The College’s admissions process does not discriminate against anybody.” Larry Bacow, who was inaugurated last week as Harvard’s 29th leader, sent a letter to the Harvard community outlining the University’s unwavering commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive campus. The College’s use of race as one factor among many in its whole-person admissions review is central to that mission, wrote Bacow, and to Harvard’s goal of creating a campus filled with scholars who learn from each other and from the differences they bring with them. “I want all of you to know that each Harvard College student is admitted affirmatively. Each student brings something special to our community and contributes to our rich learning environment in a way that is unique. Harvard would be a dull...