What the Vote Means
I got into a vigorous discussion last night about the meaning of this vote. My interlocutor said that it reflected an attempt by the faculty to take control of the university in a fundamental way; that this was a blow against not just the president, but the
presidency.
I disagree. This vote is not a
coup d'etat. In general, the Harvard faculty isn't much interested in the governance of the university. The Harvard faculty would not object to a vigorous presidency. If a vigorous presidency worked to effect the goals of the university and made Harvard look good in the public eye, the faculty would back it.
No, this vote couldn't be more personal. It's not a vote against a strong presidency. It's a vote against Larry Summers.
