Harvard President Alan Garber’s Powerful 2025 Graduation Speech Highlights University’s Commitment to Diversity and Academic Freedom
Harvard University’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, held at the historic Tercentenary Theatre in Harvard Yard on May 29, became the center of national attention after a powerful and widely shared speech by President Alan Garber. The graduation, already notable for the accomplishments of the Class of 2025, took on additional significance as it unfolded against the backdrop of intense political scrutiny from the Trump administration.
President Alan Garber opened his address by warmly welcoming students “from down the street, across the country, and around the world,” a phrase he emphasized by repeating “around the world.” This repetition was seen by many as a pointed response to the Trump administration’s controversial actions targeting international students, and it drew a standing ovation from the audience, according to the official Harvard website.
In recent months, the Trump administration had taken aggressive steps against Harvard, including attempts to block the enrollment of international students and the abrupt cancellation of $100 million in federal research funding. Garber addressed these moves directly in his speech, describing them as “perplexing.” He underscored that federal research grants are not handouts but are intended to support critical work that benefits the nation. “Cutting this funding doesn’t just hurt Harvard,” Garber stated, “it harms the entire country.” He also pushed back on accusations that linked Harvard’s position to antisemitism, calling such claims unfounded, as reported by People Magazine.
Throughout his speech, Garber encouraged graduates to stay intellectually curious and embrace discomfort as a path to growth. Referring humorously to the uncomfortable folding chairs graduates were seated on, he warned against the dangers of “comfortable thinking” and urged students to remain open to being wrong. “Being wrong can teach us humility, empathy, and growth,” he said, stressing that learning never ends and that true education lies in challenging one’s own beliefs.
He went on to praise the Class of 2025 as living proof of Harvard’s enduring mission to advance knowledge and serve the global community. “Your achievements are not just Harvard’s success—they are a victory for communities around the world,” he told the graduates.
The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Abraham Verghese—a renowned Stanford professor and bestselling author—applauded the students for defending the values of Harvard and of the nation. He told them, “No recent events can diminish what you have achieved.” His remarks referenced the high-profile political clash that began in April 2025 when the Trump administration issued a list of demands related to Harvard’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, its acceptance of international students, and its handling of pro-Palestinian protests. After Harvard refused to comply, the administration escalated its actions.
One of the most dramatic developments came when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revoked Harvard’s certification to admit international students. However, this decision was temporarily blocked on May 23 by a federal judge. Just days later, on May 27, former President Trump took a final step by canceling all remaining federal government contracts with the university.
Graduates, nevertheless, spoke with pride and resolve. Salutatorian Aidan Robert Scully, delivering his speech in Latin, declared, “Neither powers nor princes can change the truth and deny that diversity is our strength.” Yurong “Luanna” Jiang, an international student from China, said meeting peers from 32 different countries revealed to her that the world is “full of real people, with dreams and laughter.” Another graduate, Thor Reimann, acknowledged the challenges Harvard faced, stating, “We’re leaving a campus very different from the one we joined. Harvard is now at the center of a national battle over higher education.” He concluded with a message of unity, affirming his pride in standing with his classmates, faculty, and President Garber to defend the university’s mission of truth.
This year’s commencement has not only celebrated academic achievement but also spotlighted Harvard as a symbol of resistance, diversity, and intellectual freedom during a time of national debate over the role and values of higher education in America.
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