Campus activism is back in the spotlight as Harvard University prepares to elevate Maya Jasanoff to chair its history department, a move that has reignited scrutiny of politics, protest, and priorities on campus. The move is further fueling concern over whether scholarship or ideology drives one of the nation’s most influential departments.
Jasanoff, expected to assume the role July 1, previously said she brought “oranges and bananas” to anti-Israel protesters who erected an encampment in Harvard Yard in violation of university rules. She has also drawn attention for past remarks, including marking Sept. 11 by “reflecting on the terror this country wrought on others” and calling for President Donald Trump to face “prosecution for negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.”
The appointment follows a period of turmoil within the department. Former chair Sidney Chalhoub said he transformed what he called a “white male affinity group” into a faculty with “native to more than fifteen countries around the world.” At the same time, longtime professor James Hankins announced his departure, citing lowered standards and political litmus tests.
Jasanoff has dismissed concerns about campus anti-Semitism. In a television appearance, she said, “what we are seeing from the Trump administration is a wholesale attack,” and criticized “the way in which anti-Semitism was instantly wielded as a charge against these protesters.” She added that protesters “themselves were victimized by all kinds of doxxing and other assaults on their freedom.”
Asked about her priorities, Jasanoff said, “My top priority is quite simply to support the teaching and study of history in all forms.” She emphasized that “there’s no right answer, and there’s no single answer” in history.
As Harvard faces federal pressure to curb activism and restore merit-based hiring, the Jasanoff appointment ensures Harvard activism will remain a defining issue for the university.
