Harvard College recently reorganized its approach to diversity and cultural programming, replacing three long-standing student centers with a new Office of Culture and Community (OCC). This significant change, reported by campus news, saw the dissolution of the Women’s Center, the Office for BGLTQ Student Life, and the Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations in July. All their staff have now been integrated under a new ‘Harvard Foundation’ within the OCC.
This restructuring immediately drew criticism from students, who voiced concerns that Harvard might be scaling back its support for marginalized groups. However, despite these anxieties, the College has actually allocated more financial resources to the OCC than was previously dedicated to the combined former centers.
Expanded Programming and Increased Events
Since the academic year began, the OCC has already hosted 14 events, indicating a notable increase in its programming efforts compared to the previous offices. Activities have included popular ice cream socials in the Radcliffe Quadrangle and Harvard Yard, as well as a vibrant fall food festival at Memorial Church. These events are specifically designed to be accessible to all students, moving towards broader engagement while still providing robust support for recognized affinity organizations.
Ensuring Legal Compliance and Inclusivity
The College is actively working to ensure that all its funded events adhere to federal regulations, which strictly prohibit financing gatherings that are restricted by identity. Student groups are now required to proactively confirm that their events meet these legal requirements, emphasizing a shift toward wider accessibility and strict compliance standards.
Leadership and Decision-Making
The decision to close the former diversity centers was an internal one, reflecting the College’s broader strategic vision for student support. While there has been speculation about political pressures influencing this move, the College maintains that these changes were implemented under the dean’s guidance to prioritize the holistic needs of the entire student body.
Continuation of Traditional Cultural Programming
Importantly, some cherished, long-standing identity-focused events will continue under the new structure. For instance, Cultural Rhythms, a spring celebration showcasing artists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, which was hosted for nearly four decades by the Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, will now be managed by the OCC. The College has affirmed its intention for these events to uphold their historic quality and potentially expand their reach and impact.
By consolidating its former diversity centers into the OCC, Harvard College aims to create a more streamlined support system, increase resources for widely accessible programming, and preserve traditional cultural initiatives. This ongoing transition continues to fuel discussions among students regarding its ultimate impact on identity-specific support within the university community.