Crimson staff writer
Julia A. Karabolli
Latest Content
‘A Campaign of Anti-Palestinian Racism’: HDS Students, Alumni Decry Program Suspension
HDS Dean Marla Frederick announced on March 28 that the Religion, Conflict, and Public Life program would be paused, citing a budget cut and a desire to “rethink” the future of the program. But Frederick’s decision drew anger from some RCPI affiliates.
Campus Evangelist Cliffe Knechtle Visits Harvard
Public evangelists Cliffe and Stuart Knechtle, who have spent the last 45 years visiting college campuses, came to Harvard on Friday to speak to students about Christianity.
Judge Denies Students’ Request To Join Kestenbaum in Antisemitism Suit
Efforts by two Harvard graduate students to join Alexander “Shabbos” Kestenbaum’s ongoing Title VI lawsuit against Harvard were cut short on Friday after U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns ruled to deny an amended complaint that added them as plaintiffs.
Harvard Divinity School Suspends Religion, Conflict, and Peace Initiative
Harvard Divinity School will suspend its Religion, Conflict, and Peace Initiative amid budget cuts at HDS and public accusations that the initiative’s programming presents a one-sided view of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Kestenbaum Files Opposition to Harvard’s Request for Documents
Harvard Divinity School graduate Alexander “Shabbos” Kestenbaum, the lead plaintiff in an ongoing Title VI lawsuit against Harvard, filed opposition to Harvard’s motion to compel him to produce documents relating to the case, claiming Harvard’s argument is “baseless.”
Harvard Chabad Petitions to Change City Zoning Laws
Harvard Chabad is petitioning the city of Cambridge to change its zoning laws to exempt religious buildings from certain restrictions in an apparent effort to move forward with plans to expand its headquarters, currently blocked by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
As Antisemitism Lawsuit Drags On, Harvard Demands Kestenbaum’s Messages With Politicians
Harvard filed a motion on Friday to compel Harvard Divinity School graduate Alexander “Shabbos” Kestenbaum, the lead plaintiff in an ongoing Title VI lawsuit, to turn over communications with politicians and messages from the “Harvard Pro-Israel WhatsApp group.”
Harvard Requested Kestenbaum Delete X Post Denouncing DEI Officer
Harvard requested Harvard Divinity School graduate Alexander “Shabbos” Kestenbaum remove a critical social media post about Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Sherri A. Charleston.
‘When I Change, the World Will Change’: Visiting Hindu Monastics Discuss Self-Transformation at HDS Event
Hindu monastics Brahmacharini Durga and Sudarshan Sundar discussed their personal paths into Hindu monasticism at a Harvard Divinity School event Monday, highlighting the spiritually transformative nature of the practice.
Campus Rabbi, Muslim Chaplain Share Lessons on Resilience
Campus Rabbi Getzel Davis and the University’s Muslim Chaplain Khalil Abdur-Rashid hosted an interfaith discussion on mental resilience to explore different religious practices on Thursday.
Cambridge Historical Commission Approves Chabad’s Demolition Plan
The Cambridge Historical Commission approved Harvard Chabad’s plan to demolish their 54-56 Banks St. property—a necessary step in their plans for expanding their building—in a Feb. 6 meeting.
Nearly 200 Harvard Affiliates File Complaints Alleging ‘Hostile Environment’ for Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims
Nearly 200 students, faculty and other Harvard affiliates filed discrimination complaints with the University alleging a “hostile environment” against Palestinians, Arabs, and Muslims following Harvard Medical School’s cancellation of a panel featuring patients from Gaza.
Leaders of Harvard Divinity School’s Religion and Public Life Program To Depart Abruptly
The associate dean of the Religion and Public Life program at the Harvard Divinity School departed suddenly in January, creating turnover at the top of an initiative that became a lightning rod for controversy in fall 2023.
Political Commentator E.J. Dionne Discusses Role of Religion in 2024 Election
Political commentator and Brookings Institute Senior Fellow E.J. Dionne ’73 joined the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Studies for the Committee on the Study of Religions, Carleigh Beriont, for a conversation on religion and American politics Thursday night at the Barker Center.
Chabad, Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals Schedule Mediation Resolution Hearing
The long-running legal dispute between Harvard Chabad and the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal has entered a new phase as both parties prepare for an alternative dispute resolution hearing scheduled for Feb. 12.
