On May 21, 2024, Harvard's Faculty of Arts and Sciences recommended that 13 students disciplined for protesting against the war in Gaza be allowed to receive their degrees. The faculty group described Monday's vote as a 'repudiation' of the Administrative Board's actions. However, on May 22, Harvard's governing board, the Harvard Corporation, overruled the faculty and barred the 13 pro-Palestinian students from receiving their degrees. The university had previously indicated it will not consider divestment from Israel.
The controversy began when at least 60 students were called before the Administrative Board, according to organizers with Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine. Syd D. Sanders, a senior set to graduate just one week later, was suspended for three semesters following his involvement in the 20-day pro-Palestine encampment in Harvard Yard. At least five students were suspended, and 20 others were placed on probation.
College policy allows the students to obtain their degrees, but only after their disciplinary matters resolve and they return to 'good standing.' However, the Harvard Corporation's decision means that these students may not receive their degrees until December 2025, despite having completed their required credits.
The decision by Harvard's governing board shocked faculty who feel strongly that student protesters are being unfairly punished, largely because of political pressure on university leaders. Ryan Enos, a professor of government, expressed his disappointment and stated that the Corporation's decision was 'pure hubris' and 'not worthy of leading the university.'
The Harvard Corporation, in a statement explaining its decision, cited the Harvard College handbook, which says that a 'degree will not be granted to a student who is not in good standing.' However, faculty members argue that this move was a violation of an agreement made between administrators and students to clear their encampment from Harvard Yard.
Protests have developed outside Harvard University's commencement ceremony, with supporters of a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas lining up by the entrance to Harvard Yard with signs calling for an end to the war in Gaza. Protesters are demanding that penalties against the students be removed and that Harvard take action on their demands for divestment from companies doing business with Israel and from the Israeli government itself.
The controversy caps a year in which Harvard became central to a national debate over how universities have handled student protests over the Israel-Hamas war. The incident has raised questions about freedom of speech, civil disobedience, and the role of universities in political debates.
