Recent Statements from the Harvard Chaplains

The Harvard Chaplains Executive Committee affirms the importance of supporting peaceful religious expression and gathering on campus, and the right of conscientious peaceful protest. Meanwhile, we have noticed a trend of expression in which entire groups of students are told they “are not welcome here” because of their religious, cultural, ethnic, or political commitments and identities, or are targeted through acts of vandalism. We find this trend disturbing and anathema to the dialogue and connection across lines of difference that must be a central value and practice of a pluralistic institution of higher learning. Student groups who are singled out in this way experience such language and acts of vandalism as a painful attack that undermines the acceptance and flourishing of religious diversity here at Harvard. Let us all endeavor to care for one another in these divisive times.