Chinese Harvard grad denies nepotism allegations

Luanna Jiang Yurong, who delivered a speech at her Harvard University commencement, crosses Massachusetts Avenue near the gates of Harvard Yard

Chinese Harvard graduate Jiang Yurong has denied allegations that she was admitted to the prestigious university through family connections, after her commencement speech went viral and drew widespread scrutiny online.

Jiang, a native of Qingdao in Shandong province, represented the graduating class at Harvard University’s commencement ceremony on May 29, Beijing News reported.

In her speech, delivered in English while wearing traditional Chinese attire, Jiang recounted a story about translating Chinese labels on washing machines to highlight the importance of diversity and international understanding.

Following her speech, some Chinese netizens questioned whether Jiang had gained admission to Harvard Kennedy School’s Master in Public Administration in International Development program through personal connections.

On Monday, Jiang posted multiple responses via a Sina Weibo account set up on the same day and claimed to be herself, denying any impropriety.

Previous online claims linked Jiang to the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), where she once interned. A 2022 CBCGDF blog post reportedly celebrated her Harvard admission and included a thank-you note from a person identified as her father, Jiang Zhiming, who at the time held a position within the foundation.

The post has since been deleted or edited to remove his name, fueling further speculation.

Addressing claims of nepotism, Jiang said her parents divorced when she was young and that she had minimal contact with her father. She added that her recommendation letters to Harvard came from her thesis advisors in economics and political science, as well as her former supervisor at Credit Suisse.

Jiang confirmed she had interned at CBCGDF and received a recommendation letter but stated she ultimately did not use it in her Harvard application. She emphasized that all her application materials were verifiable and submitted independently.

Jiang also said she deferred her admission for a year due to financial difficulties, using nearly four years of work savings to cover her tuition.

“I hold only a Chinese passport, and I have no green card or overseas citizenship,” Jiang said, in response to online doubts.China Daily