Problems At Harvard And Why I Still Favor It Over Trump's Policies

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 29, 2025

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Problems at Harvard and Why I Still Favor it Over Trump's Policies

Harvard University, a bastion of American higher education, recently faced intense scrutiny over issues ranging from its endowment management to its handling of sexual assault allegations. These controversies, widely reported in outlets like the New York Times and the Harvard Crimson, raise legitimate concerns about the institution's internal practices and its commitment to social justice. However, despite these undeniable problems, a comparison with the policies enacted during the Trump administration reveals a stark contrast, ultimately leading me to favor Harvard’s – albeit imperfect – approach.

Harvard's Internal Challenges: A Critical Examination

The criticisms leveled against Harvard are multifaceted and serious. The size and management of its massive endowment, exceeding $50 billion, have attracted considerable debate regarding its ethical investment practices and potential for greater social impact. Concerns have also been raised about the university's response to sexual assault allegations, with critics arguing for more robust and transparent procedures. Furthermore, the persistent lack of diversity within its faculty and student body remains a significant issue, despite numerous initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity. These are not minor issues; they represent systemic problems requiring significant reform and ongoing commitment from the university's leadership.

• Endowment Management: Critics argue that Harvard could be doing more to invest its endowment in socially responsible ventures and address pressing global issues like climate change.
• Sexual Assault Response: The university's handling of sexual assault allegations has been criticized for being slow, opaque, and insufficiently supportive of victims.
• Lack of Diversity: Despite efforts to increase diversity, Harvard still faces criticism regarding the underrepresentation of students and faculty from underprivileged backgrounds.

Trump's Policies: A Comparison and Contrast

Examining these issues within the context of the Trump administration's policies provides a compelling perspective. The Trump administration's approach to higher education, marked by proposed budget cuts and a general skepticism towards academic institutions, stands in sharp contrast to Harvard's – even with its shortcomings. The administration's policies on issues like climate change, sexual assault prevention, and affirmative action directly contradict the values many associate with higher education and social progress.

• Climate Change Denial: The Trump administration's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and its rollback of environmental regulations directly contradict Harvard's commitment to environmental sustainability research and initiatives.
• Weakening of Sexual Assault Protections: Numerous policies enacted during the Trump administration weakened protections for victims of sexual assault, a direct contrast to the (albeit imperfect) efforts made by universities like Harvard to address these issues.
• Anti-Affirmative Action Stance: The Trump administration actively opposed affirmative action policies, undermining efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in higher education, a goal that Harvard, despite its shortcomings, actively pursues.

Conclusion: Imperfect Progress vs. Active Regression

While Harvard certainly faces significant internal challenges that demand immediate and sustained attention, comparing its shortcomings to the actively regressive policies of the Trump administration reveals a crucial distinction. Harvard’s flaws represent areas requiring improvement within a system striving – however imperfectly – for progress. Trump’s policies, on the other hand, actively worked against progress on critical social and environmental issues. Therefore, despite its internal issues, Harvard’s commitment to research, education, and (albeit often uneven) social justice remains a far more positive force than the policies implemented during the Trump presidency. The path forward requires continued critical examination and reform within Harvard, but this should not obscure the larger, more consequential contrast. We must hold institutions like Harvard accountable while simultaneously recognizing the stark difference between striving for improvement and actively undermining progress.