Overview
- The Harvard Salient’s alumni-led board announced Sunday that it was pausing operations pending a review, citing “reprehensible, abusive, and demeaning” articles and credible complaints about the group’s culture.
- Editor-in-chief Richard Y. Rodgers told readers the magazine will continue to publish, calling the suspension an unauthorized usurpation of power and alleging the board failed to follow required procedures.
- The dispute follows a September print piece by student David F. X. Army that echoed a 1939 Hitler line and invoked “blood” and “soil,” which Rodgers said was an unintended resemblance.
- Board member Naomi Schaefer Riley said the directors are the magazine’s governing body and are investigating recent events, as the board — chaired by Alexander Acosta with several professors serving ex officio — has not detailed specific complaints.
- Harvard’s Dean of Students said his office is not involved and has received no complaints, and the university has declined comment beyond directing inquiries to the Salient’s independent board.