Harvard University’s recent encouragement for students to apply for government-assisted food programs has sparked conservative criticism, especially considering Harvard’s status as the wealthiest educational institution globally. This move comes in the wake of complaints from graduate students about their $40,000 annual salary being inadequate, prompting the Harvard Graduate Students Union (HGSU) to propose a substantial $20,000 increase in their yearly pay. They argue that $60,000 should be the minimum stipend provided to each graduate student.
This call for increased compensation emerged after the Health Services offices sent a flier to graduate students in April, urging them to consider applying for SNAP benefits. The flier emphasized that graduate students, despite their prestigious status, could be eligible for assistance in covering food and grocery expenses through government programs.
The HGSU contends that the need for graduate students to explore government assistance programs would be eliminated if Harvard University, a symbol of elite education, took the initiative to raise their salaries. The union has staged strikes in recent years, driven partly by dissatisfaction with the current compensation levels.
Critics highlight that Harvard, with its massive $53 billion endowment, possesses ample financial resources to provide more substantial support to its students. The institution’s wealth is utilized for various purposes, including research, scholarships, and other programs. Given these vast resources, conservative voices argue that Harvard’s encouragement for students to apply for government assistance appears contradictory and raises questions about the university’s priorities.
Concerns have also been raised about the impact of these actions on international graduate students, who may be ineligible for federal assistance due to their foreign status. The HGSU notes that nearly 30 percent of graduate students at Harvard are from foreign countries, potentially leaving them without access to the offered federal support.
When approached for comment about their encouragement of students to apply for SNAP benefits, a Harvard spokesperson mentioned that the intention was to inform students about available assistance, which includes nutritional meal options. The spokesperson refrained from further elaboration on the matter.
In the midst of this controversy, Harvard University has yet to address or meet the demands put forward by the graduate students’ union, further intensifying the ongoing debate about appropriate compensation and the allocation of the institution’s substantial resources.
