Diversity Task Force Ditches Reference to Puritans in 'Fair Harvard' Song

The song "Fair Harvard," written by an alumnus in 1836, has stood the test of time with two revisions, the most recent one coming this week.

The final line of the song -- "Till the stock of the Puritans die" -- now reads, "Till the stars in the firmament die."

According to the Harvard Crimson, a university task force on inclusion and belonging decided last April to hold a competition to replace the song's final line, which was deemed out of step with Harvard's "Veritas" motto.

The new line about stars in the firmament was selected from 168 entries.

Harvard University President Drew G. Faust was quoted as saying in an email that she will "proudly give voice to the song's new final line -- and its recognition that the pursuit of truth and knowledge belongs to everyone at Harvard, from all backgrounds and beliefs.”

Faust also said she wants to make other symbols, including public art on campus, more inclusive.

This is not the first revision to "Fair Harvard": In 1998, the word “sons” in the song was replaced with the word “we” to address concerns of gender inclusivity, the Crimson reported.

SOURCE