Jules Riegel, a lecturer in History and Literature at Harvard University, has decided not to teach a planned course on global transgender history this fall.
The decision arises from Riegel’s fears of content-based retaliation as well as concerns for the safety of their students and themselves as an openly transgender individual.
Riegel stated in a recent court filing, “I have had to reevaluate how I can safely teach courses on topics including global transgender history, World War II, and the Holocaust.”
This decision comes during a time of significant tension for Harvard, as the university is currently engaged in legal proceedings in federal court aimed at protecting its academic freedom.
Harvard’s administration is fighting against billions of dollars in funding cuts imposed by the federal government.
Additionally, the Harvard faculty chapter of the American Association of University Professors is pursuing its own lawsuit against the federal government.
Riegel’s concerns are reflected in the court documents submitted regarding these legal actions.
On the same day, Harvard and the faculty association filed motions for summary judgment in the ongoing case.
Riegel’s decision to cancel the course illustrates a broader trend among faculty who are altering their course content out of fear of repercussions.
As a non-tenure-track faculty member, Riegel has expressed concern over the Trump administration’s objective to reduce the influence of students and untenured faculty, as outlined in a letter from April 11.
Riegel articulated worries about diminished control over their curriculum, fearing restrictions on course content that could force the lecturer to teach material they fundamentally disagree with.
“I am fearful for the safety of my students, especially international students or students with immigrant backgrounds,” Riegel noted, emphasizing the potential challenges in engaging with critical scholarship concerning the Holocaust and transgender history.
Riegel further expressed that the current administration’s actions have led them to reconsider recommending Harvard to prospective doctoral candidates.
Riegel is not alone in their apprehension—several other faculty members are also changing their teaching plans due to similar fears.
An anonymous colleague, involved in a court filing, altered their course content from one focused on the lead-up to the U.S. Civil War, which included themes around slavery, settler colonialism, and the U.S.-Mexico War.
This professor feared that such topics may be scrutinized under guidelines regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Concerned about facing false accusations under Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, the professor expressed anxiety over possible repercussions regarding the exploration of white supremacy in American history.
Moreover, the professor mentioned past experiences of public targeting and harassment due to their support for pro-Palestine student protesters, which heightened their concern for this course.
For some faculty at Harvard, the option to cancel courses is simply not feasible.
One anonymous faculty member from the medical school, who has extensive clinical experience, revealed plans to work abroad next year and ultimately leave the United States due to discomfort surrounding their academic environment at Harvard.
They indicated that their advocacy and opinions related to pro-Palestine issues have made them a target within the institution.
Disturbingly, research conducted at Harvard is reportedly facing hesitation as faculty members are being discouraged from publishing scholarly work or public materials on topics deemed contrary to federal policies.
As a result of these pressures, the American Association of University Professors has had to allocate significant resources to prioritize training on digital surveillance and information security, alongside workshops informing members of their rights.
These adaptations have forced the organization to hold double the regular meetings to address the Trump administration’s actions and support its members navigating the ongoing challenges.
The situation at Harvard reflects a concerning trend where academic freedom is increasingly under threat, prompting faculty to reconsider their roles and responsibilities within the institution.
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