Letter to the Editor regarding Massachusetts Attorney General Candidate Maura Healey

1. 11/12/2017 Letter to the Editor | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/8/14/harvard-lte-healey/ 1/4
1
To the editor:
Harvard Alum for Attorney General: Why Students at Harvard and Beyond Should Vote For Maura Healey
Let’s face it: The Massachusetts Attorney General’s race rarely captures the full attention of voters. But in an election season in
which an unusually high number of political offices are up for grabs, Maura Healey ‘92 is turning heads.
This is nothing new for Maura. As a Kirkland House resident, Maura did the typical Harvard student thing and dedicated herself
to, well, just about everything. Between her commitment to public service at the Institute of Politics, her experience as a student
athlete (she was the captain of the women’s basketball team, no small feat as a 5’4’’ point guard), and numerous other
engagements, Maura constantly worked to make Harvard a better place.
The Attorney General’s office represents a unique intersection of law and politics that has proven to be crucial to the protection of
basic rights in this state. Two recent Supreme Court decisions remind us just how fragile progress in the public sector can be.
The first is the 5-4 ruling in favor of Hobby Lobby, establishing that businesses with religious convictions should not have to
cover certain contraception for their employees. Aside from being a distortion of the concept of religious freedom, the ruling
places basic women’s healthcare decisions in the hands of employers. The increasing popularity of the Twitter hashtag
#NotMyBossBusiness says it all.
The second is the striking down of the Massachusetts Buffer Zone Law, the 2007 version of which was first passed while Maura
was head of the Civil Rights Division at the Attorney General’s office. Enjoying its own buffer zone that technically spans 252
feet, the Supreme Court struck down a law that combined a basic recognition of security concerns at Planned Parenthood
facilities with a respect for free-speech demands.
Both of these decisions demonstrate why we need Maura’s leadership in the Attorney General’s office. Her response to these new
but familiar challenges has been superb. In an open letter to Senate President Murray and Speaker DeLeo, Maura called for
legislative action to strengthen current security measures around Planned Parenthood facilities and work towards creative new
solutions.
Maura is a first time candidate for public office, but her campaign is already a bright spot in Massachusetts politics. Early on in
the race, Maura was offered funding from a newly formed LGBT political action committee. Aiming to raise the bar for this
election, Maura respectfully turned down the money and proposed a People’s Pledge to ban outside funding on the same basic
model as the Warren-Brown senate race of 2012. Just last week, Maura’s opponent Warren Tolman finally agreed to sign the
Pledge. Maura’s bold approach has set a uniquely respectful tone for the Attorney General’s race that should serve as a model for
politicians everywhere.
Letter to the Editor
Why Students at Harvard and Beyond Should Vote For Maura Healey
NEWS OPINION FEATURES MAGAZINE SPORTS ARTS FLYBY

2. 11/12/2017 Letter to the Editor | Opinion | The Harvard Crimson
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2014/8/14/harvard-lte-healey/ 2/4
MOST READ
1. Playing the Wrong Game
2. UC Elections 2017
3. Faust's Successor Could Begin Duties Months Before Official Transition
4. Smith Says Faculty Discussion on Sanctions Isn’t Over
5. The Tragedy of Selling Out
For those of us who are politically active, there is a lot going on this election season. The gubernatorial candidates will receive the
majority of the attention, and there will be no shortage of other contested offices. But those immediately infamous Supreme
Court decisions demonstrate just how important the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office will be moving forward.
For those of us who are not politically active, Maura is a fantastic reason to become more involved. If you believe in LGBT rights,
women’s healthcare, and ending gun violence, a vote for Maura will help shape your community in a positive way. This
September 9th, please join me in voting for Maura Healey in the Democratic Primary. Together, we can make sure that Maura’s
work at Harvard was just the beginning.
Joshua C. Barthel ‘16
Want to keep up with breaking news? Subscribe to our email newsletter.
FROM OUR ADVERTISERS
Land of Fog 〉
SPONSORED
THE CRIMSON BRAND STUDIO
Balance Patch: Boston's First Video Game Café
Located close to Harvard Square on the Babcock Green Line, Balance Patch brings "social gaming" to Boston.
SPONSORED
THE CRIMSON BRAND STUDIO
Leesa Sleep Mattress Company Inspires Harvard Students to Dream Big
Leesa Sleep tells a story of entrepreneurship and philanthropy at Harvard Business School's 2017 Marketing Innovation Conference.
SPONSORED
CHURCH HILL CLASSICS
What Attributes Do Companies Look for in New Graduates?
This article has been written in collaboration with the team at Church Hill Classics who provide diploma frames, certi cate frames and varied other gifts for graduation.
SPONSORED
THE CRIMSON BRAND STUDIO
The Press
Take a look at one of the nation's only remaining collegiate in-house printing presses.
SPONSORED
FRENCH CULTURAL CENTER
A Long Lasting Relationship Between Harvard University and the French Cultural Center
Harvard has had the pleasure to partner with the French Cultural Center numerous times over the last 70 years.