Harvard says Jeremiah Ellison was granted work exception for fellowship

Ellison granted exception by Harvard fellowship

On Friday, Harvard University Graduate School of Design told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS that Minneapolis City Council Member Jeremiah Ellison was granted a fellowship exception to allow “ample flexibility” so the position would not encroach on his duties as an elected official.

As previously reported, Ellison is one of 10 new fellows in Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design’s Loeb Fellowship, where he can attend courses, lectures, conferences, and network while being paid $57,500, plus housing and a travel grant. 

Ellison told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS he plans to continue fulfilling his council duties, where he earns nearly $110,000.

RELATED: Continued questions surrounding Ellison’s Harvard fellowship, expectations may not allow his council job

Harvard said that normally Loeb Fellows are asked to pause their careers for the duration of their program, but exceptions are possible. The university said Ellison “alerted the Loeb Fellowship office that he planned to finish out his term as a member of the Minneapolis City Council.”

Other members of the Minneapolis City Council support Ellison’s Harvard fellowship, despite city council rules not allowing elected members to vote or participate in committee hearings and full city council meetings virtually.

RELATED: Minneapolis City Council leaders support colleague’s Harvard fellowship

City Council President Elliott Payne said that Ellison’s situation requires “a conversation with the city council.”

That conversation is expected to happen on Tuesday during a meeting of the Committee of the Whole.

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS requested an interview with Ellison when we learned about the fellowship, and he replied, “I will continue my workload as normal, virtually. I will be present for most full city council meetings. Overall, nothing remarkable happening. No interview required.”

RELATED: Questions arise over Minneapolis City Council member’s absence for Harvard fellowship 

Ellison’s council term goes through the end of 2025. He announced he is not seeking reelection after representing the Northside since 2018.

RELATED: Jeremiah Ellison will not seek reelection to Minneapolis City Council
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