Harvard Faculty Votes to Cap A-Grades at 20% Despite Student Opposition

In a decisive vote, Harvard University faculty approved a new policy to limit A-grades in undergraduate courses to 20% of each class, plus an additional four students, effective fall 2027. The electronic vote, which concluded on Tuesday, saw nearly 70% of faculty members in favor. This initiative aims to combat grade inflation, which saw A's comprising 60% of undergraduate grades during the 2024-2025 academic year. Alisha Holland, co-chair of the panel that put forth the proposal, described the outcome as a "large mandate for change," encouraging faculty to start updating their grading practices and assignments in preparation for the upcoming changes. This policy represents one of the most significant measures against grade inflation in US higher education in decades.