Students at Harvard have launched a petition opposing a proposed grading reform, calling it “blatantly racist” and arguing it would have racially disparate impacts, reports Campus Reform. “The petition, organized by freshman Angie Agostini, urges Harvard to reject a plan that would limit the number of top grades awarded in courses. Organizers claim the policy would “mirror and reinforce existing racial and socioeconomic hierarchies.'”
Harvard administrators introduced the reform two months ago as a way to curb grade inflation. But the policy has been delayed until Fall 2027.
Under the policy, professors could not award “flat A” grades to more 20 percent of students in a class, though there would be no cap on A-minus grades. “The plan follows internal data showing that more than 60 percent of grades awarded in 2025 were A’s, compared to roughly one-third in 2010.”
Dean of Undergraduate Education Amanda Claybaugh said Harvard’s inflated grades “are not only undermining the functions of grading; they are also damaging the academic culture of the College.”
“Student organizers, however, argue that limiting top grades could disproportionately affect first-generation and low-income students. In an open letter, they described the proposal as ‘blatantly racist’ and warned it could increase competition among students.”
“Supporters of the reform say the changes would restore academic rigor and reduce pressure on students to maintain perfect GPAs. Critics of the petition argue that merit-based grading systems should reflect academic performance rather than demographic considerations. The debate reflects broader tensions on college campuses over equity policies and academic standards.”
