Harvard's president resorts to absurd arguments against divestment from fossil fuel companies, including denying that their lobbying has any effect. This open letter from a student rips them to shreds.

In such situations, the person in authority usually has some very simple, powerful and embarrassing reason, and the absurd arguments are a smokescreen for it.

Perhaps the simple reason is that some rich donors whose money comes from fossil fuel companies said they would stop donating to Harvard if it divests. If that is the reason, she should come out with it and give the community a chance to choose to be heroes instead letting her impose cowardice.