University News
The Top 10 Stories of 2014
As faculty members debated changes to their health benefit plans and administrators pushed through a proposal to create the College's first honor code, 2014 saw a flurry of change and controversy on Harvard's campus. The planned reenactment of a satanic "black mass" drew criticism from both the University president and outside observers; as Harvard faced two federal probes into its compliance with Title IX, administrators unveiled plans to overhaul their approach to addressing the increasingly national issue of sexual assault on campus. With an eye toward the new year, The Crimson takes a look at 2014's biggest stories.
Researchers Sue Brigham, Med School for Alleged Misconduct Investigation
The researchers claimed that an investigation into their findings on stem cells is damaging to them and should be aimed at their collaborator.
Vermont Harvard Club Endorses Divestment
The Vermont group is the first alumni club to officially back the divestment movement, according to club president Charles A. Boright ’68. The club’s position comes after months of discussion and research on the topic.
Corporation Committee Considers Proposals on Environment, Lobbying in 2014
The committees addressed several new topics, including fast food advertising and its possible connection to childhood obesity, corporate tax policies, and the impact that investing activities of certain companies may have on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Draft College Rating System Emphasizes Accessibility, Post-College Success
The system would judge colleges and universities on a number of expected criteria, such as graduation rates, average net price, student loan debt, post-college earnings, and the percentage of students who receive Pell grants.
Former President of Finland To Join HKS as Fellow
As part of the fellowship, Tarja Halonen will give speeches, host study groups, and visit classrooms for one semester at the school.
Dining Services 'Mistakenly' Factored Politics into SodaStream Decision, Spokesperson Says
“As the President and Provost have made clear, our procurement decisions should not be driven by community members’ views on matters of political controversy,” the spokesperson wrote.
University To Investigate Dining Services Decision To Suspend Purchases from Israeli Company
Last spring, HUDS stopped purchasing water machines from SodaStream, whose main factory is located in the West Bank, following complaints that the appliances could offend Palestinian students.
In Sit-Down, Faust Looks Back at 2014
In her final interview of the year with The Crimson, Faust reflected on her role in several hot-button campus issues, including sexual assault policies and protests regarding two controversial non-indictments.
Senate Approves Med School Prof. Murthy as Surgeon General
Though President Barack Obama nominated Murthy for the position in Nov. 2013, conservative members of Congress objected to his history of political activism.
Author Revives Bombed Polish City in Latest Book
A three-minute clip from home video footage inspired author Glenn Kurtz's latest book about a Polish community.
Abuse Case Against Former Swim Coach Will Proceed
A lawsuit against the University alleging sexual abuse by a former Harvard swim coach will be allowed to proceed in court, following a legal extension of the statute of limitations on child sex abuse cases.
Activists Host Bake Sale To Fund Understaffed Sexual Harassment Investigation Office
It is unclear whether the office accepts donations and University spokesperson Jeff Neal did not respond to a question attempting to clarify the matter.
Senior Advisor to Faust To Appeal Indian Court Guilty Verdict
Business School professor Krishna G. Palepu was found guilty of receiving excessive compensation without first receiving proper governmental approval on Monday.
Campaign Has Raised $2 Billion Since Launch
The funds raised in the public phase of the campaign brings the total value of gifts and pledges to $4.8 billion.
