The Rules We Live By

Thursday morning, the Winthrop House community received an email from Faculty Dean Ronald S. Sullivan, Jr. admonishing The Harvard Crimson — particularly the content of this Board — and its presentation of opinions surrounding his legal representation of film producer Harvey Weinstein, who faces allegations of sexual misconduct by over 80 women. Sullivan alleges that our coverage has limited the opportunity for "deep and robust discussions," limiting discourse to only one perspective of this complex and nuanced matter.

We take this opportunity to clarify the rules we live by.

As journalists, we hold close our commitment to the truth. As opinion writers and editors, we pursue a host of ideologically diverse perspectives, wielding facts to construct different arguments. And as students, we are informed by the community we are a part of, holding ourselves and its members accountable to the truth with knowledge that it can effect tangible, meaningful change.

We trust that our readers will critically evaluate our content, place them in conversation with one another and alongside relevant facts, and come to their own perspectives accordingly. The Crimson has always striven for a diverse and balanced perspective on the Editorial page; we will continue to seek out opinions that challenge one another and speak to the expanse of intelligent, critical, and powerful members of the Harvard community and beyond. We have a responsibility as journalists to fulfill these obligations to our readers and to our staff who will move this industry forward long after we leave 14 Plympton Street. We must do so with integrity.

We are disappointed that attacks on journalism nationally have clouded conversation regarding civil discourse, free speech, and diversity of opinion on campus. The role of a newspaper is to foster dialogue among its readers and serve as a jumping-off point for discussion. It is not to stifle debate, but rather to foster it from a multitude of perspectives.

For 146 years, we have published a newspaper. For 108 years, we have come together as an Editorial Board, scrutinizing sources and facts to hold those in power accountable for their actions through meaningful commentary.

We strive to live up to these ideals every day as we carry on the legacy of this organization — today, tomorrow, and every day moving forward.

This staff editorial solely represents the majority view of The Crimson Editorial Board. It is the product of discussions at regular Editorial Board meetings. In order to ensure the impartiality of our journalism, Crimson editors who choose to opine and vote at these meetings are not involved in the reporting of articles on similar topics.