Latest news with #Puritan
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
A weaker Harvard is a weaker America
The Trump administration's attacks on Harvard University are framed as deeply damaging to the U.S. itself, given Harvard's immense contributions to science, technology, the economy, and American global influence. While Harvard has faced valid criticism for campus issues like antisemitism and lack of ideological diversity, the administration's actions—such as threats to cut federal funding—are seen as politically motivated and authoritarian rather than solutions. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Imagine if China or Russia tried to destroy a US asset that generates tens or even hundreds of billions of dollars of economic value, plays a major role in American leadership in science and technology and turbocharges our prestige and soft power. We'd expect our government to go to war to defend in attacking Harvard University , that's exactly the kind of damage the Trump administration is trying to do. Despite the school's failures and flaws, it remains a vital national asset — and the administration's actions are far more dangerous to America than they are to Harvard When you tour the UK's Cambridge University , your guide will show you empty niches containing stone fragments. They're the remnants of statues smashed by Puritan fanatics during the English Civil War. But Cambridge survived and flourished. Universities are enormously resilient and count time in centuries, not electoral cycles. Long after the Trump administration is gone, there will still be a Harvard. But an America deprived of everything Harvard contributes will be far poorer and weaker.I have a stake in this battle: I spent seven years on the faculty at Harvard Business School and still teach in the Harvard Kennedy School's Senior Executive Fellows program. But I'm also the first to agree with colleagues who say the university has fallen short of its ideals. Its own reports on antisemitism and anti-Muslim bias on campus contain devastating revelations about the school's inability to maintain an orderly and safe learning environment for everyone. Harvard should better protect its students — even, when necessary, from each other. It must guarantee freedom of speech on campus. And it should find ways to have more diverse political representation among both students and the Trump administration isn't trying to fix Harvard. It's trying to control it via blatantly illegal tactics. Authoritarians have always feared universities because of their role as centers of dissent. It's not an accident that (Ohio State and Yale University graduate) JD Vance gave a speech titled 'The Universities Are the Enemy' in 2021. If President Donald Trump breaks America's oldest and wealthiest school, no other university and few institutions of any kind will dare stand against administration's ostensible concern about antisemitism is so obviously a pretext that Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's letter declaring Harvard ineligible for federal funding never mentions it, even as it attacks the school for giving fellowships to Democratic politicians. Two of the last four Harvard presidents were Jewish (including the current one), as is Penny Pritzker, chair of the Harvard Corporation, the ultimate authority over the university. This makes it an odd target for those whose primary concern is antisemitism. And an administration sincerely concerned about the issue might start by not hiring multiple senior staffers with close ties to antisemitic control would destroy what makes Harvard — and any other school — valuable in the first place. Universities play a disproportionate role in producing revolutionary ideas because they embrace freedom of thought and dissent. Taking orders from politicians is antithetical to that Harvard, and along with it, American higher education, would be a grievous blow to the US. The university's contributions to American history and wealth are difficult to overstate. It has produced eight presidents and countless members of Congress, governors, Supreme Court justices, CEOs and entrepreneurs, along with more Medal of Honor recipients than any school except West Point and the Naval the last 20 years, Harvard founders have averaged nine unicorns — startups valued at more than $1 billion — every year. That's first among all world universities. And in just the last five years, companies founded by Harvard alums have gone public with a combined value of $282 billion. (I'll also note that a quarter of all unicorn startups have a founder who came to the US as a foreign student — exactly the population Trump is targeting at Harvard and other schools).Both the US economy and the country's international preeminence depend on primacy in science and technology. That leadership is under threat as never before: American universities, long leaders in basic and groundbreaking research, are falling behind. When Nature ranked the top 10 research universities in the world in 2023, eight were in China. Well, most of them are falling behind; Harvard was No. 1. If you really believe in America first, attacking it is the last thing you'd there's the university's global reputation, which functions as an emissary of American excellence. I once spent time as visiting faculty at Tsinghua University, China's MIT. While I was there, the dean would routinely bring visiting dignitaries to my office so he could show off the Harvard professor teaching at Tsinghua. (I used to joke that I expected them to toss me peanuts like an elephant at the zoo.)The school is also a powerful instrument for the propagation of US values. In the last 25 years, the leaders of countries from Canada to Taiwan have studied at Harvard. The next generation will look similar: The future Queen of Belgium is a current Harvard student, and the daughter of China's President Xi is an alumna. The global elite, in other words, pays for the privilege of sending their children to Harvard to experience the best of American life and be indoctrinated with American attack on Harvard is really an attack on America. Harvard, like every old and important institution, including our nation, is far from perfect. But like America, Harvard is worth fighting for.
1News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- 1News
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges
Actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court Friday to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years. Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He said "not guilty' after each charge was read in Southwark Crown Court. His trial was scheduled for June 3, 2026 and is expected to last four to five weeks. Prosecutors said that the offences took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand didn't speak to reporters as he arrived at court wearing dark sunglasses, a suit jacket, a black collared shirt open below his chest and black jeans. In his right hand, he clutched a copy of the The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers. ADVERTISEMENT The Get Him To The Greek actor known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of the mainstream media in recent years and built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing religion. On a five-minute prayer video he posted Monday on social media, Brand wrote: 'Jesus, thank you for saving my life'. When the charges were announced last month, he said that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. 'I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,' he said in a social media video. 'I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.' English comedian and actor Russell Brand leaves Southwark Crown Court where he is charged with rape and sexual assault in London, Friday, May 30, 2025. (Source: Associated Press) Brand is accused of raping a woman at a hotel room in Bournemouth when she attended a 1999 Labour Party conference and met him at an event where he was performing. The woman alleged that Brand stripped while she was in the bathroom and when she returned to the room he pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear and raped her. A second woman said that Brand grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a television station in London in 2001. ADVERTISEMENT The third accuser was a television employee who met Brand at a birthday party in a bar in 2004, where he allegedly grabbed her breasts before pulling her into a toilet and forcing her to perform oral sex. The final accuser worked at a radio station and met Brand while he was working on a spin-off of the Big Brother reality television program between 2004 and 2005. She said Brand grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks. The Associated Press doesn't name victims of alleged sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault in London court
LONDON (AP) — Actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court Friday to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years. Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He said "not guilty' after each charge was read in Southwark Crown Court. His trial was scheduled for June 3, 2026 and is expected to last four to five weeks. Prosecutors said that the offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand didn't speak to reporters as he arrived at court wearing dark sunglasses, a suit jacket, a black collared shirt open below his chest and black jeans. In his right hand, he clutched a copy of the 'The Valley of Vision,' a collection of Puritan prayers. The 'Get Him To The Greek' actor known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of the mainstream media in recent years and built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing religion. On a five-minute prayer video he posted Monday on social media, Brand wrote: 'Jesus, thank you for saving my life.' When the charges were announced last month, he said that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. 'I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,' he said in a social media video. 'I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.' Brand is accused of raping a woman at a hotel room in Bournemouth when she attended a 1999 Labour Party conference and met him at an event where he was performing. The woman alleged that Brand stripped while she was in the bathroom and when she returned to the room he pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear and raped her. A second woman said that Brand grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a television station in London in 2001. The third accuser was a television employee who met Brand at a birthday party in a bar in 2004, where he allegedly grabbed her breasts before pulling her into a toilet and forcing her to perform oral sex. The final accuser worked at a radio station and met Brand while he was working on a spin-off of the 'Big Brother' reality television program between 2004 and 2005. She said Brand grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks. The Associated Press doesn't name victims of alleged sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life. Brian Melley, The Associated Press
Global News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to rape, sexual assault charges
Actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court Friday to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years. Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He said 'not guilty' after each charge was read in Southwark Crown Court. His trial was scheduled for June 3, 2026 and is expected to last four to five weeks. Prosecutors said that the offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand didn't speak to reporters as he arrived at court wearing dark sunglasses, a suit jacket, a black collared shirt open below his chest and black jeans. In his right hand, he clutched a copy of the The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers. Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen Actor-comedian Russell Brand arrives at Southwark Crown Court for a hearing on charges of rape, indecent assault, and two counts of sexual assault involving four women in London, United Kingdom on May 30, 2025. The alleged offenses occurred between 1999 and 2005 in Bournemouth and Westminster. Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images The Get Him To The Greek actor known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of the mainstream media in recent years and built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing religion. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy On a five-minute prayer video he posted Monday on social media, Brand wrote: 'Jesus, thank you for saving my life.' When the charges were announced last month, he said that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. 'I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,' he said in a social media video. 'I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.' Story continues below advertisement Brand is accused of raping a woman at a hotel room in Bournemouth when she attended a 1999 Labour Party conference and met him at an event where he was performing. The woman alleged that Brand stripped while she was in the bathroom and when she returned to the room he pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear and raped her. A second woman said that Brand grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a television station in London in 2001. The third accuser was a television employee who met Brand at a birthday party in a bar in 2004, where he allegedly grabbed her breasts before pulling her into a toilet and forcing her to perform oral sex. Story continues below advertisement The final accuser worked at a radio station and met Brand while he was working on a spin-off of the Big Brother reality television program between 2004 and 2005. She said Brand grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks. The Associated Press doesn't name victims of alleged sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life. 0:58 Comedian Russell Brand denies sexual assault claims after bombshell report in U.K. media If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or is involved in an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime for help. They are also reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Russell Brand pleads not guilty to charges of rape and sexual assault in London court
LONDON — Actor and comedian Russell Brand pleaded not guilty in a London court Friday to rape and sexual assault charges involving four women dating back more than 25 years. Brand, who turns 50 next week, denied two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault and one count of indecent assault. He said 'not guilty' after each charge was read in Southwark Crown Court. His trial was scheduled for June 3, 2026 and is expected to last four to five weeks. Prosecutors said that the offenses took place between 1999 and 2005 — one in the English seaside town of Bournemouth and the other three in London. Brand didn't speak to reporters as he arrived at court wearing dark sunglasses, a suit jacket, a black collared shirt open below his chest and black jeans. In his right hand, he clutched a copy of the 'The Valley of Vision,' a collection of Puritan prayers. The 'Get Him To The Greek' actor known for risqué stand-up routines, battles with drugs and alcohol, has dropped out of the mainstream media in recent years and built a large following online with videos mixing wellness and conspiracy theories, as well as discussing religion. On a five-minute prayer video he posted Monday on social media, Brand wrote: 'Jesus, thank you for saving my life.' When the charges were announced last month, he said that he welcomed the opportunity to prove his innocence. 'I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord,' he said in a social media video. 'I was a drug addict, a sex addict and an imbecile. But what I never was was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes.' Brand is accused of raping a woman at a hotel room in Bournemouth when she attended a 1999 Labour Party conference and met him at an event where he was performing. The woman alleged that Brand stripped while she was in the bathroom and when she returned to the room he pushed her on the bed, removed her underwear and raped her. A second woman said that Brand grabbed her forearm and attempted to drag her into a men's toilet at a television station in London in 2001. The third accuser was a television employee who met Brand at a birthday party in a bar in 2004, where he allegedly grabbed her breasts before pulling her into a toilet and forcing her to perform oral sex. The final accuser worked at a radio station and met Brand while he was working on a spin-off of the 'Big Brother' reality television program between 2004 and 2005. She said Brand grabbed her by the face with both hands, pushed her against a wall and kissed her before groping her breasts and buttocks. The Associated Press doesn't name victims of alleged sexual violence, and British law protects their identity from the media for life.
