A prominent Harvard University professor has announced his departure from the prestigious institution after a four-decade career, citing profound disagreements over its admissions policies and its handling of campus life.
A Decision Forged in 2021
Historian James Hankins, aged 70, revealed his exit in a detailed essay. He explained that his decision to retire was cemented back in 2021, influenced by two major factors: the university's stringent Covid-19 protocols and significant shifts in its graduate admissions standards which he alleges began after the murder of George Floyd.
Hankins, a specialist in Western history, signed a four-year retirement contract in the autumn of 2021, which has now concluded. He is joining the Hamilton School of Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
The Admissions Allegations
The professor provided specific examples to support his claims. In the fall of 2020, he identified an outstanding graduate applicant who was a perfect fit for his programme. "In past years this candidate would have risen immediately to the top of the applicant pool," Hankins wrote. However, he was informally told by an admissions committee member that admitting a white male was "not happening this year."
He cited another case involving a white male undergraduate he had tutored, whom he described as "the best student at Harvard" and a prize-winning graduate. Despite this, the student was reportedly rejected from every graduate programme he applied to in 2021.
Upon inquiring with colleagues at other institutions, Hankins claims he discovered a widespread, unspoken protocol. "Graduate admissions committees around the country had been following the same unspoken protocol as ours," he stated, suggesting a national trend favouring diverse candidates over qualifications. He noted one exception was a candidate who had begun life as a female.
Critique of Campus Policies and Direction
Beyond admissions, Hankins strongly criticised Harvard's pandemic-era rules, which he labelled "tyrannous invasions of private life." He objected to mandatory mask-wearing during lectures and conducting seminars over Zoom, practices he felt were incompatible with his vision of liberal education.
The professor also accused Harvard of displaying "shocking indifference to the anti-Semitic demonstrations following the October 7 atrocities." However, he viewed the subsequent resignation of President Claudine Gay and her replacement by Alan Garber as a positive development, believing the university is now on a better course.
A further point of contention is the study of Western history. Hankins claims Harvard has not hired a tenured historian in a Western field since 2012, and has lost eight such professors since then. "I will be the ninth," he wrote, "and I am not expecting to be replaced." He argues this shift away from teaching Western civilisation contributes to moral and intellectual disorientation among the young.
His new academic home in Florida, founded just four years ago, has hired 28 scholars in Western fields. Hankins wryly noted many are from the "dreaded population of white males" who might struggle to find posts at older universities.
The Daily Mail contacted Harvard University for comment on Hankins's claims and was advised a response might be delayed due to the holiday period.
