Conan O'Brien is a singular and outstanding American humorist. His work, deeply rooted in close listening and keen observation, creates joyful connections between and among ideas and people. I look forward to sharing the stage with him in Tercentenary Theatre later this year. Harvard is tremendously fortunate to call him one of our own.
His resignation comes "in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the government," the spokesperson, Jason Newton, said in a statement.
In a video posted to social media on Friday, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said his department will discontinue all graduate-level professional military training, fellowships and certificate programs for active-duty service members at Harvard University starting in the 2026-27 school year. Currently enrolled service members will be allowed to finish their courses, he said. "For too long this department has sent our best and brightest officers to Harvard hoping the university would better understand and appreciate our warrior class," Hegseth said.
Harvard University officials have opened a secret disciplinary investigation into at least two students for their roles in drawing scrutiny to the relationship between the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the school's former president, Larry Summers, according to three people briefed on the matter. The students posted videos online showing Summers addressing students in a Harvard lecture hall about his connections to Epstein last month, and took credit for pressuring him to step away from teaching after the disclosures.
"University Professors embody the academic excellence that Harvard seeks to nurture in every generation," said President Alan M. Garber. "Catherine, Claudia, Noah, and Cumrun are outstanding colleagues and superb University citizens. They represent not only the potential of individual scholars but also the timelessness of our mission to expand the frontiers of knowledge for the benefit of humanity. It is an honor to acknowledge their achievements and to celebrate their contributions to academia and to our community."
Gay's remarks, delivered at the Netherlands Institute for Advanced Study in Amsterdam, are some of the most extensive she has given in public since her resignation. "Universities have come to rely on donors more desperately than ever, particularly as public support has diminished, and donors have come to expect more than just gratitude. They want influence. They want control. They want, in the language of our times, a seat at the table," she said.
Nearly all of the 58 students placed on probation - the highest number since at least the 2017-2018 academic year - were disciplined for participating in a November 2023 pro-Palestine occupation of University Hall and an April to May 2024 pro-Palestine encampment at Harvard Yard, according to the Crimson. An additional 31 students were "formally admonished" but not placed on probation.
The State Department is investigating whether Harvard University will remain part of a government program that provides American visas for international students and researchers.
"This new office is part of the [university's] ongoing effort to break down silos, ensuring all members of our community are connected, supported and empowered to contribute to a thriving intellectual environment," Hoekstra wrote.
"Technology underpins every aspect of Harvard," said Klara Jelinkova, vice president and University chief information officer, who opened the event by praising IT staff for their impact across the University.
