@ANormalSeniorGuy Society places Harvard grads on a pedestal and a significant number of them will go on to positions of power and influence, partly riding on the Harvard ‘name tag’ itself. Many people would argue that Harvard thus has a moral responsibility to society to only selective students who will make a positive difference in the world.
Perhaps you disagree and feel that elite universities should select only based on cognitive ability, but society as a whole disagrees; I think we’ve all seen the damage that extremely smart people with warped values can wreak when given certain opportunities.
On a more cynical note, I don’t think Harvard would want its reputation tainted by being associated with educating future KKK members or misogynists. It’s a private institution that has the right to reject students whom it feels would affect its future ability to attract capable students, or provide them with a safe environment. If you read the article, you would see that they did indeed post “violence enticing language toward a SPECIFIC group or person”.
Note: I’m not claiming these students are misogynists or KKK members. Perhaps most of them posted the memes trying to be ‘contrarian’ or ‘edgy’ and most likely don’t really identify with the content - I’m just responding to the general arguments you put forth. You can argue that rescinding offers might be too serious a response, but I disagree with the view that Harvard should be unconcerned with the personal values and beliefs of the students it admits.
(As a Yale student, this has got to be the most I’ve ever defended Harvard )
These were probably not cream of the crop admits, but most likely lax/soccer/swimming bros who are used to their high schools looking the other way at these shenanigans.
If you mean for it to be private, you use a pen and an envelope and send it registered mail. The Russians figured that out a couple years ago.
Maybe you take some extraordinary measures on the webs (that I’m not going to talk about) What you don’t do is use the same name you put on your application using the same social media sites you use to join the “class of 2021” groups and post stuff like that.
Also I’m thinking there’s a difference between getting kicked out and getting bounced while still in the queue. No different from failing a couple of classes, in this case getting f’s in basic humanities practicums.
Funny how the “chance me” posts never include “Posting degrading and offensive material on social media: 10/10”. The good news is these “stellar students” should do real well in community college.
Except for the 60 accused of cheating in CS50 or the ~125 accused of cheating in GOVT1310 or. Mathew Martoma or Ted Kaczynski or… Granted you might not personally know these people, but obviously not everyone admitted to Harvard has stellar character.
I would doubt you’ll see many lawsuits, as the still anonymous students will be naming themselves and documenting their pasts for all to see going forward. Even if you do get reinstated, that first job background search might cause problems…especially when they see your willingness to go to court when you’re not happy.
@Muad_dib Interesting generalizations…stupid Harvard kids, must be one of the meathead athletes who came through the back gate while the smart kids weren’t looking.
Well, St. Paul’s, where Labrie attended, was founded by a Harvard grad and is a Harvard feeder school. dont recall when he was admitted vs when the rape accusation was made and charges were filed. IMO, the fault lies with St. Paul’s, who may have turned a blind eye to the “senior salute”.
Sounds like there are some “hate thoughts” in these memes, that might be considered hate crimes in the eyes of the law. Regardless, they all deserve to have their admissions rescinded imho. What you think, whether you verbalize it or not, says a lot about your integrity and character. Just like harming animals is thought to be a precursor to killing of humans, embracing dark humor of this sort (if you can somehow characterize this as humor) might be thought off as a precursor to violent tendencies as well.
If anything it is the rich kids who are used to their high schools looking the other way out of fear of legal action from their parents. Even the threat of a lawsuit makes principals and school boards cower.
This is not a freedom of speech case. The 10 have the freedom to say whatever they want. Harvard has the freedom to rescind their acceptance because their values are incompatible with these students’.
@ANormalSeniorGuy Colleges like Harvard are not forced to accept anyone simply because of high cognitive ability. I’d also venture to say that “KKK members” (your words, not mine) are not entitled to a spot at a top tier institution just because they are bright…
Colleges are supposed to create safe and appropriate learning environments for students. It’s understandable why Harvard does not want people that advocate (jokingly or not) for sexual assault, hate crimes, and other issues online to intermingle with potential targets at the university.
It looks like Harvard dodged a bullet and will get to avoid having these knuckleheads affiliated with the school. That level of stupidity and willingness to exert/bow to peer pressure is not good.
I feel like it doesn’t matter how many times you tell kids that what they post on social media can harm their future, they just don’t think it will ever happen to them. Maybe every guidance counselor needs to share this article with their counselees.
Not saying I agree with the actions of the students (!), but this situation does call to mind that kid who came from a prominent white supremacist family and went to New College of Florida. His education caused him to re-think his entire world view for the better.
These students may harden their beliefs as a result.
On the other hand - the child abuse stuff -absolutely that would be grounds in my mind for withdrawing the acceptance, if I were sitting in Admissions.
I think Harvard is continuing its policy of ‘we will control you’ that starts this year with the ‘outside clubs’ rules. Beginning with this class, those who join unapproved clubs will not receive support from the school or professors for grad school applications, honors or awards, and can’t hold leadership roles in clubs or sports teams.
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