one of the things that's interesting about being part of a decentralized university is how divergent the messaging can be across different parts of campus.

here's the email that went out to Harvard College students today, which strikes a rather different tone from Bacow's pablum

a couple of things I find interesting about this
1a) as a friend pointed out, it's noteworthy the 2 best admin emails we've seen have been from deans of color, and that unfortunately, it feels like deans of color have to compensate for their white colleagues' inadequate attempts.

1b) it's both unfair that senior administrators of color seem to be the only ones up to the task of speaking honestly to and about this moment, & frustrating that the institution can absolve itself by pointing to emails like Gay's and Khurana's as proof of a commitment to equity.

2a) the difference in tone between Bacow's "I believe" and O'Dair & Khurana's "we are outraged" is a fascinating case study in how Harvard talks differently to different audiences — sometimes projecting a social justice orientation internally, & a more conservative face outward.

2b) & we know why Harvard would do that — Bacow doesn't want to upset conservative alumni & donors or other powerful entities, because above all, Harvard cares about maintaining its proximity to power. & the way Harvard is responding just brings that fact into very sharp relief.