Memo reviewed by: Veronica Diaz, HKS MPA/ID, Paul Nolan, HKS MPP, Sima Thakkar MPA/MC, and Aleena Ali, MPP

The memo reviewed, "Closure of ICE Detention Facilities," is a memo from the ACLU to Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, urging him to close Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities. From start to finish, the memo excels at crafting a tone that is respectful yet assertive. The author opens with an olive branch to the Secretary—thanking him for the “continued concern for the dignity, safety and human rights” and recent action to close substandard detention facilities. ... Read more about "Closure of ICE Detention Facilities," a memo to the Secretary of Homeland Security from members of the ACLU, 09/06/23

Memo Review by Anna Lipscomb, HKS MPP

On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian college students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and seized over 50 U.S. hostages. This ...

Memo reviewed by Daniel Estupiñan, HKS MPP, Amy Mahler, HKS MPA/MC, and Katie Wesdyk, HKS MPP

The Buckeye Institute provided a memo recommending the removal of barriers to mental health services in Ohio. A case is made to recognize out-of-state practitioners permanently to provide mental health support, but lacks a clear connection from problem to proposed solution.... Read more about "Removing Barriers to Mental Health Services in Ohio" a Memo from The Buckeye Institute

Memo reviewed by Oriol Solé Borràs, HSPH Masters candidate, 2021

David Cutler, a Harvard health economist and an advisor to President Obama’s 2008 campaign sent in May 2010 a memo to Larry Summers, the Treasury Secretary at that time, arguing that the White House had the wrong team in charge of health reform, and they needed to overhaul their implementation strategy.
... Read more about Health Economist's memo to U.S. Treasury Secretary - "Urgent Need for Changes in Health Reform Implementation"

Memo reviewed by César Monarrez, 2021 MBA/MPA candidate, MIT Sloan and HKS

The National Parks Service (NPS) memo PM 11-03 regarding disposable water bottle policies is a mildly compelling document that, despite having some noteworthy elements, loses potential impact due to a lack of urgency and a muddled argument structure.... Read more about Memo from Director of U.S. Dept. of Interior, Re: Recycling and Reduction of Disposable Plastic Bottles in Parks

Memo reviewed by Leah Foecke, HKS MPP

Apr 30, 2020
This memo is an example of a cross-organization memo – not written within an existing organizational hierarchy – that provides advice and advocacy from two Brookings Institution fellows to the newly-elected Barack Obama.... Read more about "Building a Secure Energy Future" a Memo From: Brookings Institute, To: President-Elect Barack Obama

Memo reviewed by Lauren Brodsky, HKS Lecturer in Public Policy

Sitting slightly reclined, with a steady stream of cigarette smoke visible to the viewer, esteemed journalist Edward R. Murrow faces a television screen with a view of a Boston apartment. It is 1953. Murrow is interviewing junior Senator John F. Kennedy, and his wife, Jackie, for the show People to People.... Read more about Murrow, Kennedy and memos on Cuba

Memo reviewed by Dimas Muhamad, HKS Master's candidate

In 2002, William Burns, the Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, wrote to Secretary of State Collin Powell on the dangers of invading Iraq in this memo. Overall, the substance of the memo is quite strong. However, in terms of writing, policy writers can learn from certain improvements that could have been made.... Read more about "Iraq: The Perfect Storm" - Memo to Secretary of State, Collin Powell from Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs on the dangers of invading Iraq