Around New England

Asian Harvard Freshman Finds Identity Politics Crashes, Burns Around Dinner Table At Home

Matthew McDonald

The student's appeal to race-based grievances didn't get far with his parents, who came to America during the 1980s and found a land of opportunity for immigrants — "even for minorities." Their response made him realize that arguments should be based on right and wrong, not on protected classes and victim groups:  "Identity politics makes people feel better about themselves at the expense of productive discourse."

Around New England

Harvard Commits To Paying Half Cost of Commuter Rail Station in Allston

Matthew McDonald

Some Massachusetts politicians are suggesting Harvard University pay the whole cost of building so-called West Station, a proposed commuter rail station in Allston on Harvard-owned land that would connect Allston with downtown Boston. Harvard initially pledged one-third of the cost; now, the university with a $37 billion endowment has pledged half the cost — $50 million.

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