Can Harvard Ever Play a Positive Role for Women in Higher Education?

Some 40 years ago, when I was applying to graduate schools for a Ph.D. in economics, I had an interview with a prominent Harvard University professor. Not more than two minutes into the interview, he asked me, "Are you normal?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.

"Well, do you want to get married and have a child?"

"I'm already married."

"Well then, why would you want a Ph.D.?"

I don't remember much of what he said after that. I left feeling deflated and

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