Dear Harvard College Students,

Congratulations on completing an amazing academic year! Now that the semester has ended, I want to express my deepest gratitude for all you bring to Harvard. I am fortunate to be on this journey with you.

Each new academic year brings with it opportunities and challenges, and our community has come together in wonderful ways during both the good times and the difficult times this year. Growth and transformation – personally, socially, and intellectually – can be exhilarating but also challenging.

In recent weeks, several events on campus have challenged our sense of safety and security. I am acutely aware of how destabilizing events such as the swatting incident have been for our community, particularly for our Black and brown students. I want to assure you all that we are committed to listening to you and to keeping our campus safe, while evolving our practices to meet the needs of our diverse community.

As we look ahead to summer, we anticipate that the Supreme Court will issue its ruling on the lawsuits challenging the consideration of race as one factor among many in admissions at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. No matter the outcome, I want to emphasize that each of you has earned your place on our campus, and you belong here.

Diverse learning environments are crucial to our ability to understand the opportunities and challenges of our world through different perspectives. We remain deeply committed to the mission of Harvard College, and we continue to believe in inclusive excellence and creating a community in which we celebrate our students' diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and viewpoints. Harvard College will remain a place where we explore new ideas, challenge each other, and welcome discourse and disagreement.

I hope you all have a restful and rejuvenating summer break. I look forward to hearing about your experiences when you return in the fall.

Semper veritas,

Rakesh Khurana
Danoff Dean of Harvard College