In the midst of one of the most devastating attacks on education in modern history, Harvard invited scholars to contribute to a special journal issue focused on Palestinian education. Dozens of researchers from around the world answered that call—writing, editing, and signing contracts with the Harvard Educational Review. Their work spotlighted the destruction of Gaza’s schools, the lived experiences of Palestinian educators, and the challenges of teaching about Palestine in U.S. classrooms.

Now, after months of editorial approval and promotion, Harvard has abruptly canceled the entire issue.

This isn’t about editorial standards or copyediting delays. It’s about censorship. It’s about silencing Palestinian voices in the very spaces where truth and justice are supposed to matter most. At a time when Palestinian universities are being reduced to rubble and students are risking everything to speak out, Harvard’s decision sends a chilling message: some truths are too dangerous to print.

We call on the Harvard Educational Publishing Group to reverse this decision and publish the special issue as planned. This is a critical moment for academic freedom—and for moral courage.

Let Harvard stand on the side of open inquiry, not political fear. Let the voices of these scholars be heard.

Sign to demand that Harvard uphold its commitments to integrity, academic freedom, and the pursuit of truth.

Photo: Nicholas Pfosi/Reuters