Nancy Mace Visits Harvard, Emphasizing Bipartisanship Amid Controversy

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Rep. Nancy R. Mace (R-S.C.) attended a study group at the Harvard Kennedy School on Thursday, focusing discussions on bipartisanship despite earlier tensions surrounding her visit. Mace, who previously labeled Harvard as ‘enemy territory,’ expressed a newfound appreciation for its students after the event, according to attendees.

In the week leading up to her visit, Mace framed the event as a confrontation with Harvard’s perceived liberalism, referring to students as ‘blue-haired Pro-Hamas kids’ in a post on X. However, at the Thursday study group, she steered away from antagonistic comments and emphasized her bipartisan record.

The event was held on the fifth floor of the Kennedy School’s Taubman Building, a venue change necessitated by heightened interest, according to a student involved. While registration was closed to the public, security was ramped up with three police cars and five officers stationed outside the building.

Approximately 40 students attended the study group, with Mace underscoring her reputation as the 22nd most bipartisan member of Congress. ‘I think it’s valuable for us to have these dialogues,’ said Irati Evworo Diez, a Harvard student who participated in the event. ‘It helps foster understanding rather than conflict.’

Mace’s political history is complex; she has diverged from party lines on several issues, championing gay marriage and advocating for a more moderate Republican stance on abortion. However, she remains a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and frequently addresses topics surrounding immigration and transgender rights.

The congresswoman’s recent remarks have sparked controversy, notably her condemnation of sanctuary cities and calls for the deportation of students who support Hamas, which she made in a recent interview. Attendees indicated that Mace refrained from confrontational rhetoric during the Harvard discussion, focusing on constructive dialogue instead.

‘There were no protests, and the conversation was civil,’ one attendee remarked. Mace advised students to keep legislation simple, stating, ‘Less is more. The more simple the bill is, the better.’

In a brief statement at the event, Mace reflected on her experience. ‘I hope to bridge gaps, not create them,’ she said. Attendees expressed mixed feelings about the congresswoman; while her presence was polarizing, many agreed on the importance of bipartisan discourse.