Hilary Duff might be taking classes at Harvard, but that doesn't mean her fellow students have to like it. In an editorial published last week in The Crimson, Harvard's school newspaper, the staff lambastes Duff, calling her a "loser and a chicken" because she didn't go through Harvard's notoriously difficult undergraduate-admissions process and won't be participating in campus activities.
Duff is not a student at Harvard proper, but is auditing courses through the Harvard Extension School, a continuing-education program that allows the singer to take a few classes online, including environmental science, government, and sociology. While Duff has noted on her Web site that she's "taking on-line classes for Harvard University" and described the process, her classmates are evidently objecting to the media's portrayal of Duff as a Harvard student.
"Man-up (extension) Duff," the article reads. "It's one thing to say you go to Harvard (extension), but it's another to live la vida Harvard (extension)." The article then lists a sampling of social organizations and activities that are unique to the school. "Have you, par example, been punched by the Bee (extension) Club? Or attended the Daedalus (extension) Final (extension) Club?"
If those activities aren't up Duff's alley, The Crimson asks, then what is? "Maybe that blonde at the protest against University (not extension) President Lawrence H. Summers was you. Maybe not. But if it was, did you ever consider his feelings? ... Also, are you considering declaring a science (extension) concentration? It would look really good for Harvard (extension and not extension)."
The editorial also points out that her higher education choices won't win Duff any points in the dating arena. "You should have gone to Yale (extension or not extension; wait, is there a Yale not extension?). Someone forgot to tell you about the caveat about dropping the H-(extension)-bomb. Namely, if you're a member of the fairer sex, it doesn't work. Case in point — Natalie Portman '03 (not extension): single. Barbara Bush (Yale '04, not extension): hot."
The editorial concludes by saying, "Enough (extension) Duff. We (not extension) call a truce. So you told people you were going to Harvard (ambiguous). It's Harvard (extension), which (disclaimer) by the way is a perfectly great option for education. Whatever."
Posted by Lawren at March 11, 2005 06:52 AM
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Man. Now I understand what poor Elle Woods had to contend with when she went to Harvard (non-extension) Law School.
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Stacy at March 11, 2005 07:59 AM
So bitter. What are they so insecure about. The Harvard-goers know Duff's only extension, isn't that good enough? I'm amazed they have enough time to fuss over this.
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Kelly at March 11, 2005 10:03 AM
Hmm... I have a feeling that the tens of thousands of preteen girls who were screaming for her at the Houston Rodeo last week don't really care if she is at Harvard (extension) or not.
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Mel at March 11, 2005 10:33 AM
Get over yourselves
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ren at March 11, 2005 11:59 AM
who cares she probably wont get a diploma, she will be richer than all of you anyway.
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brianna at September 29, 2005 11:16 PM
NYU girl says stop whining and be grateful she's only an extension student. There's nothing like being asked constantly if you've seen the Olsen Twins yet or having some really creepy person ask you to sign her into Weinstein so that she can stalk Mara Wilson. (Sadly enough, that really happened to me.)
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Anonymous Violet at October 4, 2005 11:51 AM
Hylary duff is good yuor music actuactions and your perspectiv the ass an te face is good Im like.
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Isaac Orantes at November 9, 2005 01:00 PM
I believe that this judgement against those who attend the Extension School at Harvard has come up. I believe that we are doing just as good a job, and are in some cases working harder than our College counterparts(as we manage full time jobs along with our studies). I believe that it is a growing epedemic that must be solved, because by criticizing the Extension school you are tarnishing the name of Harvard itself. I believe it is only fair to afford the Extension students who are degree seeking and who do take classes for credit the respect we deserve. I am tired of being treated like I am second best, or my school is being looked down upon. I am just as much a part of Harvard university as you are. Afford my school the respect we hardworking people deserve. we attend the same sections, and walk on the same sacred ground as you... albeit curriculum differences can be noted, but we also must take classes taught by Harvard college proffesors as well, in the persuit of our degrees. Well, I didn't have time to structure my argument as best as I could, especially since I have another paper to compose. Have a good day, and thank you for taking time to read my ranting.
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Brandon Ruse at November 9, 2005 02:16 PM