Saving Harvard: A Conservative Academic's Proposal

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on Apr 26, 2025

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Reforming the Curriculum: A Focus on Western Canon and Free Inquiry

H3: Re-emphasizing the Western Intellectual Tradition: Harvard's curriculum should place renewed emphasis on the Western Canon. A robust grounding in the foundational texts and thinkers of Western civilization is crucial for developing well-rounded, critically thinking individuals. This isn't about excluding other perspectives, but about ensuring students grasp the intellectual bedrock upon which much of modern thought is built.

• Reinstatement of core curriculum requirements: Mandate courses in classical literature, philosophy (including significant exposure to Plato, Aristotle, and other key figures), and Western history.
• Strengthening existing humanities programs: Increase funding and faculty support for departments offering courses in the Western Canon, ensuring rigorous instruction and stimulating classroom discussions.
• Emphasis on primary source analysis: Train students to critically analyze original texts, fostering independent thought and the ability to engage in rigorous intellectual debate. This approach to classical education is key to developing critical thinking skills.

H3: Fostering Free Speech and Open Debate on Campus: The stifling of free speech and open debate represents a significant threat to intellectual inquiry. A vibrant campus necessitates the free exchange of ideas, even – and especially – those that challenge prevailing orthodoxies. Saving Harvard requires a commitment to intellectual diversity.

• Strengthening free speech policies: Implement clear and robust policies protecting free speech, ensuring accountability for those who attempt to suppress dissenting viewpoints.
• Inviting diverse speakers: Actively invite speakers representing a wide range of perspectives, fostering robust debate and challenging students to engage with contrasting viewpoints. This includes inviting conservatives, libertarians, and other voices often marginalized on college campuses today.
• Creating spaces for respectful disagreement: Foster a campus climate where respectful disagreement is not only tolerated but actively encouraged. Debate should be the cornerstone of the intellectual environment.

Fiscal Responsibility and Tuition Costs

H3: Controlling Administrative Costs and Reducing Spending: Harvard's administrative bloat contributes significantly to rising tuition costs. A commitment to fiscal responsibility demands a thorough review and streamlining of administrative structures. Saving Harvard necessitates greater transparency and accountability in its financial management.

• Review and consolidation of administrative departments: Identify areas of redundancy and inefficiency, merging departments where possible and reducing unnecessary administrative layers.
• Scrutiny of non-essential programs: Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-benefit of various programs, potentially eliminating those that fail to justify their expense.
• Increased transparency in university finances: Make financial information readily available to students, faculty, and the public, promoting accountability and trust.

H3: Exploring Alternative Funding Models: Reducing reliance on ever-increasing tuition requires exploring alternative funding strategies. Harvard's substantial endowment offers opportunities for improved investment returns, while increased philanthropic efforts and targeted government grants can support specific initiatives.

• Improving endowment management: Adopt a more aggressive investment strategy focused on maximizing returns while mitigating risk, ensuring the long-term financial health of the institution.
• Targeted fundraising campaigns: Launch focused fundraising campaigns appealing to alumni and private donors who support the proposed reforms and a return to traditional values.
• Seeking government grants for specific initiatives: Explore opportunities to secure government grants aligned with national priorities, such as research in areas of critical national need.

Redefining the Role of the University in Society

H3: A Return to Traditional Values of Scholarship and Character Development: Harvard should re-emphasize character development and civic engagement alongside academic achievement. Saving Harvard involves nurturing responsible and engaged citizens, fostering a sense of community, and promoting moral education.

• Expanded community service programs: Implement comprehensive community service initiatives, encouraging students to contribute to the well-being of their local and wider communities.
• Leadership training programs: Develop and expand leadership training programs, empowering students to become effective leaders and agents of positive change.
• Integration of ethics courses: Integrate ethics courses across the curriculum, promoting critical reflection on moral issues and responsible decision-making.

H3: Preparing Students for the Real World: A focus on practical skills and career preparation, alongside theoretical knowledge, is crucial for ensuring student success beyond graduation. Saving Harvard means equipping graduates to thrive in a competitive job market.

• Strengthened career services: Enhance career services to provide students with comprehensive guidance on career exploration, job searching, and professional development.
• Increased internship opportunities: Expand internship programs to connect students with real-world experiences and potential employers.
• Industry partnerships: Forge stronger partnerships with industries to align academic programs with market demands and provide relevant, practical training.

Conclusion: A Conservative Vision for Harvard's Future

Saving Harvard requires a comprehensive approach that addresses its academic, financial, and societal challenges. The reforms proposed – re-emphasizing the Western Canon, fostering free speech, implementing fiscal responsibility, and redefining the university's role in society – offer a conservative vision for the institution's future. By embracing traditional values of scholarship, character development, and civic engagement, Harvard can reclaim its position as a leading global university. This requires a commitment to rigorous intellectual inquiry, fiscal prudence, and a renewed focus on preparing students for meaningful and fulfilling lives. We urge readers to engage in this vital conversation about preserving Harvard's legacy and restoring its greatness. Let's work together to save Harvard and ensure its continued success for generations to come.