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Harvard Faculty Approves A-Grade Cap for Undergrads

May 20, 2026

Summary

Harvard University faculty members voted to limit the number of A grades awarded to undergraduate students, aiming to make grades more meaningful despite significant opposition from students.

How coverage differs

Left outlets highlight student opposition and fairness concerns regarding Harvard's A-grade cap, while right outlets emphasize the move's necessity for academic rigor and degree value.

  • Left: Harvard faculty strengthens academic standards by limiting top grades Left-leaning outlets report on Harvard University faculty's decision to cap A grades, noting the significant opposition from undergraduate students. They highlight the new policy's goal of making grades more meaningful while acknowledging student concerns about fairness.
  • Right: Harvard tackles grade inflation, demanding more from its students Right-leaning outlets focus on Harvard University faculty's vote to make it more difficult for undergraduates to earn A's. They emphasize the move as a necessary step to restore academic rigor and the value of a Harvard degree, implicitly supporting the faculty's decision.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • Harvard faculty votes to limit number of A's awarded
  • Harvard faculty votes to make it more difficult for undergrads to earn A’s - CNN

Right

  • Harvard faculty votes to make it more difficult for undergrads to earn A's

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