Hypocrisy now defines a growing controversy at Harvard, where administrators are quietly investigating students who filmed a former university president apologizing for ties to Jeffrey Epstein while ignoring a separate assault case tied to anti-Israel activism.
According to the New York Times, Harvard is probing students Rosie P. Couture and Lola DeAscentiis after they recorded former president Larry Summers without permission and attended classes for which they were not registered. The investigation could lead to discipline as severe as forced withdrawal. One video shows Summers addressing his Epstein ties and saying he would withdraw “from public activities for a time.”
“I think it’s very important to fulfill my teaching obligations. And so, with your permission, I’m going to, we’re going to, go forward and talk about the material in the class,” Summers said in the footage. The student who posted the clip added, “This is how classes start at Harvard: Professors apologizing for their ties to Jeffrey Epstein.”
The scrutiny of the students contrasts sharply with Harvard’s handling of Elom Tettey-Tamaklo, a graduate teaching fellow charged with assaulting an Israeli classmate during an anti-Israel protest. Despite video evidence and a misdemeanor conviction, the university declined to investigate him and delayed cooperation with prosecutors. He now holds a teaching role at Harvard.
That disparity has fueled tension with the Trump administration, which demanded Tettey-Tamaklo’s expulsion. Prominent alumni, including Mitt Romney, warned Harvard leadership failed to confront “expressions of hate and vitriol against Jews.”
The students say their video prompted broader accountability. Congress later released emails showing Summers corresponded with Epstein, including one message where Epstein offered dating advice. Summers later apologized, writing, “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”
