Harvard University: Threat to Discipline Student Newspaper Staff for Publishing Satirical Cartoon
The Harbus, a student newspaper at Harvard Business School (HBS), ran an editorial cartoon that criticized the school's Career Services for severe and chronic technical problems during a crucial week for student job searches. The cartoon showed a computer screen with pop-up announcements about the incompetence and inefficiency of the program. One announcement had two words expressing the exasperation of HBS students: "incompetent morons." The administration issued a verbal warning, causing the editor-in-chief to resign. Following public criticism by FIRE, HBS issued a statement detailing its regret that the incident chilled free expression on campus and affirmed its commitment to the free and open exchange of ideas.
- "Harvard Business School Dean Expresses Regret, Promises Freedom of Speech," January 8, 2003: Harvard Business School Dean Kim B. Clark, in a letter last week to FIRE’s co-directors, expressed his regret over a scandal involving the intimidation of a student editor by top administrators at his institution.
- "Letter from Harvard Business School Dean Kim B. Clark to FIRE, January 2, 2003," January 2, 2003
- "FIRE Letter to Harvard Business School Dean Kim B. Clark, November 19, 2002," November 19, 2002
- "Harbus Cartoon, October 2002," The Harbus, October 28, 2002
Case Materials
- "Speech Codes: Alive and Well at Colleges...,"
by Harvey Silverglate and Greg Lukianoff, The Chronicle of Higher Education, August 1, 2003 - ""Incompetent Morons" at HBS Should Respect Free Speech,"
The Harvard Law Record, November 14, 2002 - "Editor Resigns over Cartoon,"
The Harvard Crimson, November 12, 2002
