Lengthy autobiographical introductions precluded more than a bare beginning of a discussion about the events at Harvard over the past few months. Nonetheless, it was apparent that most of us are well aware of disparate perspectives concerning DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), antisemitism and critical race theory… and the increasing number of administrators at Harvard … and the complexities/difficulties involved in alumni (or the Acting President or the Corporation or …) being effective in the effort to right the ship, etc. etc. Particularly salient, especially in light of the serious and even disheartening nature of the events, was David Wizansky’s observation that there seems now to be a lack of opportunity for redemption.
The hope is that our next Zoom session (in the last week in March?) will feature a representative of the Harvard College Admissions Office speaking to us about changes in Harvard’s admissions’ philosophy and process as a result of the July 29, 2023, U.S. Supreme Court decisions addressing the legality of race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions programs. Included also may be the ways in which the racial composition of those admitted to the Harvard Class of 2028 differs from the racial composition of those admitted to the Harvard Classes of 2025-2027 … and any considerations the Harvard College Admissions Office is giving to the efforts of some to restrain or prohibit legacy admissions.
Seventeen classmates participated: Joseph Bosco, Stanley Brown, Jim Crampton, Ed Cutter, Gerald DiBona, George Gingold, Ron Goodman, Dick Lindzen, Henry Marcy, Bill Markus, Hank Morgan, David Sachar, Lionel Spiro, Liia Vilms, Eustis Walcott, Steve Weddle and David Wizansky.
It is always wonderful to see and hear dear classmates whether known during college and kept-in-touch-with since college, known during college but not seen since or never known!
The Class Secretary reminded folks of (1) the Crimson Society and Reunion dates of May 30 and 31, 2024; (2) that we will have our 65th reunion in 2025; (3) to let him (Henry Marcy -- hjmarcy@comcast.net) know if you are interested in participating in future Zoom sessions; (4) that he is able to facilitate desired communication between classmates (if contact information is not available to the desiree; and that (5) our website – https://h1960.classes.harvard.edu -- is updated frequently.
