Harvard removes identity group celebrations from webpage
Harvard University Removes Racially Segregated “Affinity Celebrations” Page
Harvard University recently faced backlash for promoting racially segregated “affinity celebrations” for graduates of various identities. Journalist Christopher Rufo exposed this issue, shedding light on the university’s actions amid the ongoing scrutiny over anti-Semitism on campuses nationwide.
EXCLUSIVE: Harvard provided racially segregated “affinity group” celebrations at its commencement event earlier this year. Whites and Jews were the only groups not provided with celebrations.
The university has now deleted this page from its website. pic.twitter.com/ZFLF2exvhL
— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) December 14, 2023
The list of “affinity celebrations” for May included LGBTQ+ Graduates, Arab Graduates, Indigenous Graduates, Graduates with Disabilities, Latinx Graduates, Black Graduates, and Asian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Desi-American Graduates.
According to Campus Reform, the deleted page now redirects to Harvard’s “Diversity and Inclusion” page. However, an archived version reveals the original content. It seems that the page served as a recurring platform for “affinity” events during each graduation cycle.
The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine shows that the page has been visible since at least 2022, and a ”Frequently Asked Questions” section confirms that these celebrations have been ongoing for several years.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
While Rufo claimed that “Whites and Jews were the only groups not provided with celebrations,” Harvard University describes these “affinity celebrations” as events that recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of graduates from marginalized and underrepresented communities.
The Daily Wire reached out to Harvard for comment regarding the deleted webpage.
Harvard University’s president, Claudine Gay, faced criticism after suggesting that the context determines whether calling for the genocide of Jews on campuses violates the school’s policies on bullying and harassment. Despite the backlash, Harvard has stood by its president, with Gay releasing a statement emphasizing that calls for violence or genocide against any religious or ethnic group are unacceptable and will be addressed.
What does the swift removal of the racially segregated affinity celebrations page from Harvard’s website indicate about the university’s recognition of their inappropriate actions
Oups”>Campus Reform, Harvard’s affinity celebrations were described as “exclusive events that bring together members of historically marginalized communities within the larger university community.” These celebrations were intended to provide a space for students to celebrate their heritage and identity, but in doing so, they inadvertently created an atmosphere of exclusion and division on campus.
The controversy arose when it was revealed that Harvard did not provide affinity celebrations for two specific groups: white graduates and Jewish graduates. This exclusion was seen by many as discriminatory and went against the principles of inclusivity and equality that universities should strive for.
Christopher Rufo, a journalist who has been critical of critical race theory and identity politics, brought attention to this issue on social media. In a tweet, he revealed that Harvard had provided racially segregated affinity celebrations at its commencement event earlier in the year, with whites and Jews being the only groups not provided with celebrations.
After Rufo’s tweet gained traction, Harvard quickly removed the page advertising these affinity celebrations from its website. This swift action suggests that the university realized the inappropriateness of their actions and wanted to distance themselves from the controversy.
While it is important to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse identities of students, it should not be done at the expense of excluding others. By providing affinity celebrations for certain groups while excluding others, Harvard unintentionally perpetuated a form of segregation.
Universities have a responsibility to create a campus environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all students, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or religion. Affinity celebrations, if done correctly, can be a positive way for students to come together and celebrate their shared experiences. However, they should never be used as a means to separate and segregate students based on their identities.
The removal of the racially segregated affinity celebrations page from Harvard’s website is a step in the right direction towards fostering a more inclusive campus community. It serves as a reminder to universities nationwide to carefully evaluate their actions and policies to ensure that they are promoting equality and inclusivity for all students.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Harvard’s racially segregated affinity celebrations highlights the importance of promoting inclusivity and equality on college campuses. While it is crucial to celebrate the diverse identities and experiences of students, it should never be done at the expense of excluding others. Universities have a responsibility to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, and the removal of the racially segregated affinity celebrations page is a crucial step towards achieving that goal.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
