Dr. Roland G. Fryer Jr. is a Professor of Economics at Harvard University and co-founder of Equal Opportunity Ventures, an early-stage seed fund, along with several technology start-ups. He serves on multiple boards focused on business analytics, talent management, and product strategy.
Dr. Fryer’s pioneering research integrates economic theory, big data, artificial intelligence, and randomized field experiments to design evidence-based policies aimed at increasing social mobility in the United States. His scholarship has earned numerous accolades, including the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship, the John Bates Clark Medal (awarded by the American Economic Association to the most outstanding American economist under the age of 40), and the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was named to TIME magazine’s 2009 list of the 100 most influential people in the world and has twice been featured in Esquire’s “Genius Issue.”
Dr. Fryer earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Ph.D. in Economics from Pennsylvania State University.
In 2018, Dr. Fryer became the subject of multiple Title IX complaints alleging that he had made remarks or jokes of a sexual nature that some found inappropriate, creating what was described as a hostile work environment in his research lab. The allegations concerned verbal conduct only. After extensive investigations, a faculty panel chaired in part by senior Harvard officials, including then-Dean Claudine Gay, imposed sanctions including suspension without pay and a two-year prohibition on teaching and research. Upon his return, Dr. Fryer continued to face restrictions, including limits on supervising students, serving in advisory capacities, and participating in academic conferences.
Rejecting a confidential settlement offer that would have curtailed his ability to speak openly about his experience, Dr. Fryer chose instead to defend his principles publicly. He was later reinstated as Professor of Economics at Harvard University.
For his courageous defense of intellectual independence and commitment to freedom of inquiry despite severe personal and professional costs, the Columbia Academic Freedom Council is proud to present Dr. Roland G. Fryer, Jr. with the 2025 Academic Freedom Award.
