Grounded in the academic ideals of free inquiry, exchange, and the pursuit of knowledge, the Scholars at Risk (SAR) Program at Harvard is dedicated to helping scholars, artists, writers, and public intellectuals from around the world escape persecution and continue their work by providing  academic fellowships at Harvard University. Risk may be related to the scholar's work, but it may also be a consequence of other factors, including the scholar's ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, identity, or political opinions. Founded in 2001 as an independent member of the International Scholars at Risk Network, SAR at Harvard relies on the generosity of private donors and the Office of the President to carry out its crucial and often life-saving mission.