Harvard in News on 1/25/2025

 

 

Five Questions with Audrey Chang ’25 of the Harvard Responsible Computing Club - The College senior on creating structures for responsible tech use

Audrey Chang ’25, co-founder of the Harvard Responsible Computing Collective (ReCompute), focuses on critically examining technology's societal impacts through an interdisciplinary approach involving sociology, urban planning, and statistics. Her thesis aims to improve healthcare equity by addressing overconfident predictions in machine learning models using the concept of "atypicality." Inspired by collaboration and learning from peers, Chang’s favorite course, Contemporary Ethnography, deepened her interest in understanding communities. She aspires to address algorithmic bias and socioeconomic inequality through ethnographic and computational research for a more equitable society.

 

Harvard University Housing establishes new rents for 2025–2026 - Increase on average 5% for renewing tenants

Harvard University Housing (HUH) will implement an average 5% rent increase for renewing tenants for 2025–2026, with individual increases ranging from 0% to 6.5%. HUH manages around 3,000 apartments and sets rents based on market rates, using a regression analysis of over 14,700 market-rate apartments. Utilities like heat, water, and electricity are included in rents, with internet and air conditioning provided in some units. New tenant rents for various properties have also been announced, with options ranging from studios to four-bedroom units. Written comments on proposed rates are due by February 7, 2025.

 

Program Director at HKS Nonviolent Action Lab To Resign Over Antisemitism Settlements

Jay Ulfelder, program director at Harvard Kennedy School's Nonviolent Action Lab, resigned after Harvard's adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Association's definition of antisemitism in settling two Title VI lawsuits. Ulfelder argued the new policy could suppress speech critical of Israel, impacting his work on civil resistance and political instability. Harvard defended the guidelines as not restricting free speech unless tied to harassment. Ulfelder criticized Harvard for prioritizing reputation over academic freedom, calling the settlements a capitulation to external pressures. His resignation reflects broader tensions over free speech and institutional policy amidst the Israel-Palestine conflict.

 

How to avoid really bad decisions. (Hint: One tip is just hit pause.) - Business ethicist details ways to analyze complex, thorny issues, legal gray areas, and offers advice we can all use

Joseph Badaracco, a Harvard Business School professor, emphasizes the evolving complexity of business ethics. Over 30 years, ethical decision-making has shifted from applying rigid moral philosophies to tackling real-world, multifaceted problems shaped by global contexts, technological advancements, and intricate stakeholder relationships. He highlights the distinction between clear-cut ethical breaches, like those of Sam Bankman-Fried and Elizabeth Holmes, and "gray areas" requiring nuanced judgment. Badaracco advises decision-makers to reflect deeply, engage diverse perspectives, and focus on central responsibilities to navigate these complexities, stressing the importance of preparation and thoughtful reflection in achieving ethical outcomes.

 

Trump third-term amendment 'impossibly difficult' to pass, Harvard Law professor says

Harvard Law Professor Stephen Sachs commented on the immense challenges facing Rep. Andy Ogles’ proposal to amend the U.S. Constitution to allow Donald Trump a third presidential term. Sachs noted the amendment's nearly insurmountable odds due to the political composition of Congress and procedural hurdles. To succeed, the amendment would require two-thirds approval from both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from three-fourths of the states. The professor highlighted the extreme difficulty of achieving such consensus in today’s polarized political climate, deeming the proposal "almost certain to fail."

 

Can birthright citizenship be changed?

Harvard Law Professor Gerald Neuman asserts that President Trump's executive order challenging birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and unlawful. The Fourteenth Amendment guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Neuman explains that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” excludes only a few exceptions, like children of diplomats, and does not apply to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders. He emphasizes that neither the president nor Congress can reduce constitutional citizenship rights, and lawsuits challenging the order will likely prevail based on clear legal precedents.

 

What’s the rub with frictionless government in U.S. foreign policy? - Harvard Law School visiting professor Kristen Eichensehr dissects the problems that arise when everyone agrees

Harvard Law professor Kristen Eichensehr explores the risks of "frictionless government" in U.S. foreign policy, where bipartisan consensus eliminates checks and balances, often leading to overreach and unintended consequences. Eichensehr highlights examples like U.S. policies on China and Russia, showing how frictionlessness can escalate conflicts, provoke counterproductive responses, or target vulnerable groups unfairly. While consensus can sometimes produce effective policy, she stresses the importance of reintroducing "good friction"—from courts, states, or private actors—to balance policymaking. Eichensehr warns that unchecked policies, such as China's semiconductor response, could have long-term repercussions.