Zuckerberg backs Lessin for Harvard board seat

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has joined the fray over Harvard University’s future, endorsing Silicon Valley investor Sam Lessin’s bid for a seat on the college’s Board of Overseers.

Lessin, a former Harvard classmate and early Facebook executive seeks to restore excellence amid accusations that the university is losing its way. He is seeking 3,300 write-in nominations by January 31.

Zuckerberg, in a virtual event supporting Lessin, criticized the university’s previous administration for its handling of on-campus antisemitism during the Israel-Gaza war.

While avoiding controversial topics like race and the recent ousting of Harvard’s first Black president Claudine Gay, Zuckerberg emphasized Lessin’s potential.

The move reflects a trend among wealthy donors, including hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who are using their influence to shape American universities’ direction as concerns about campus politicization rise.