Harvard’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies Directors to Depart Amid Calls for Intellectual Diversity

In a significant shift at Harvard University, the co-directors of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Professors William Granara and Leila Ahmed, have announced their departure at the end of the academic year. This move comes amid increasing calls for greater intellectual diversity within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS).

The decision follows comments from FAS Dean Hoekstra, who emphasized the importance of fostering an environment that encourages a wide range of perspectives. The departure of Granara and Ahmed, both respected scholars in their fields, has sparked discussions about the future direction of the center and its role in promoting diverse viewpoints on Middle Eastern studies.

Harvard's administration has yet to announce the process for selecting new leadership for the center. The news has also drawn attention from international media, highlighting the global interest in how prestigious institutions like Harvard handle issues of academic freedom and diversity.

• Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Harvard University
• Leila Ahmed
• William Granara