Harvard Dean Deming Addresses Student Concerns at Open Forum

Discussions cover AI, endowment tax, grade deflation, and student life changes

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:07am

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Harvard College Dean David J. Deming hosted an open student forum on January 27, addressing a range of topics including the impact of artificial intelligence, the university's endowment tax, grade deflation policies, and changes to the student handbook regarding hazing. Deming also responded to student concerns over political tensions on campus, such as the Israel-Hamas conflict and the killing of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Why it matters

As the chief administrator for undergraduate academic and student life at Harvard, Dean Deming's perspectives and decisions have a significant impact on the experiences and well-being of Harvard students. This forum provided a rare opportunity for open dialogue between students and the administration, shedding light on key issues facing the university community.

The details

During the forum, Deming discussed Harvard's approach to artificial intelligence, emphasizing that a liberal arts education remains crucial even as AI automates certain tasks. He also addressed the impact of the federal endowment tax, which has created a $100 million budget hole for the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, leading to cuts across the university. Deming defended the college's push for grade deflation, arguing that grade inflation has harmed students' competitiveness in the job market and graduate school admissions. Additionally, Deming discussed changes to the student handbook to comply with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.

  • The forum was held on January 27, 2026.
  • In October 2025, the College released a 25-page report detailing its efforts to decrease the share of flat A-grades awarded to students.
  • In late 2024, Congress passed the Stop Campus Hazing Act, which has prompted the College to review the language in the Student Handbook.

The players

David J. Deming

The Danoff Dean of Harvard College, who assumed the role in July 2025. Deming is an economist who specializes in studies on education and skill development.

Rakesh Khurana

The previous Danoff Dean of Harvard College, whom Deming succeeded.

Amanda Claybaugh

The Dean of Undergraduate Education at Harvard College.

Robert I. Goldman Professor of Economics and Faculty Dean of Lowell House David Laibson

A Harvard professor who attended the forum and provided information about the impact of the endowment tax.

Charlie Kirk

A conservative commentator whose killing was condemned by Dean Deming in September 2025.

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What they’re saying

“When things are changing really quickly, and the world is likely going to be really different in the future than it is today, that's actually when a liberal arts education is more important. We're teaching you a very general-purpose toolkit that is meant to survive multiple technological evolutions.”

— David J. Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College

“Just for the FAS, the endowment tax created a $100 million hole in Harvard's budget.”

— Robert I. Goldman Professor of Economics and Faculty Dean of Lowell House David Laibson

“You may not think this is in your interest, but I promise you it is. Conversations with employers and with graduate school admissions directors have led us to believe that the grading system we have here is common knowledge to them, and it's actually harming you.”

— David J. Deming, Danoff Dean of Harvard College

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This forum highlights the complex challenges facing Harvard's administration, as they navigate issues like the impact of AI, budget constraints, academic policies, and student concerns over political and social issues. Dean Deming's responses demonstrate the need for ongoing dialogue and transparency between the university leadership and the student body.