How Harvard Should Handle the Kyle Kashuv Mess

After the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, many survivors became outspoken advocates of gun control. In contrast, Kyle Kashuv became an outspoken advocate of gun rights, appearing on Fox News and speaking at events to young conservatives.

He was set to attend Harvard after a gap year. But the university rescinded its offer, Kashuv announced yesterday, citing a controversy involving racial slurs.

“A few weeks ago, I was made aware of egregious and callous comments classmates and I made privately years ago—when I was 16 years old, months before the shooting—in an attempt to be as extreme and shocking as possible,” he explained on Twitter. “I immediately apologized.” Nevertheless, he said, “former peers & political opponents began contacting Harvard urging them to rescind me.” Upon learning of the controversy, Harvard asked him to explain himself. He replied with a letter that reiterated his previous apology and noted how much he has changed since surviving the massacre with his classmates.