The Harvard Crimson
A âFundamentalâ Shift: Harvard Institute of Politics Marred by Tensions, Turnover as Kennedy School Asserts Increased Control
Previously unreported documents obtained by The Crimson reveal how concerns over the governance, performance, and leadership of Harvardâs storied Institute of Politics have come to a head in recent years.
The Harvard Institute of Politics was founded in 1966 as a memorial to President John F. Kennedy â40.
A âFundamentalâ Shift: Harvard Institute of Politics Marred by Tensions, Turnover as Kennedy School Asserts Increased Control
Previously unreported documents obtained by The Crimson reveal how concerns over the governance, performance, and leadership of Harvardâs storied Institute of Politics have come to a head in recent years.
In early May 2020, former Secretary of Education Betsy D. DeVos released a controversial Title IX rule that drummed up controversy, criticism, and confusion since it was first proposed in November 2018. DeVos â who stepped down just days ago â gave universities until Aug. 14, 2020 to update their policies to comply with federal law.
DeVosâs changes required universities to implement a grievance process in the investigation of formal Title IX complaints. In this process, both complainants and respondents will be allowed to question each other during a live hearing. The new guidance also restricts the kinds of sexual misconduct universities can investigate.
Harvard designed an âInterim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policyâ to conform with the new rule, in addition to creating an âInterim Other Sexual Misconduct Policyâ in August 2020 to âaddress misconduct that falls outside the jurisdiction of the Interim Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy.â