• How Harvard Said No—and Made It Stick

  • Apr 23 2025
  • Length: 23 mins
  • Podcast

How Harvard Said No—and Made It Stick

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  • Summary

  • This episode examines Harvard University’s April 2025 letter rejecting sweeping demands from the Trump administration—an act of resistance that was principled, measured, and strategically precise.

    The statement didn’t chase headlines or play defense. It outlined the stakes, drew a legal and ethical line, and delivered a message that stood on mission—not fear.

    Listeners will hear a breakdown of how the letter was structured, why it worked, and what it signals for anyone responsible for high-stakes communication. The episode explores how transparency, when guided by values, creates reputational resilience—even under political and public pressure. Essential listening for leaders, communicators, and institutions preparing to face conflict—and determined to do it without flinching.

    Key Themes:

    • Framing a public statement when the pressure is high
    • Avoiding vague language and moral compromise in moments of risk
    • Why clarity and conviction are more protective than silence
    • Lessons in structure, tone, and timing from Harvard’s strategy

    Mentioned in this Episode:

    • How Legal Counsel Doomed Leadership At Harvard and UPenn, Molly McPherson (Forbes.com)
    • This Is Not Normal: What Harvard's Bold Statements Can Teach Every Leader, Molly McPherson (Substack.com | PRBreakdown.Media)
    • Your Guide to Writing a Bold Statement When the Stakes Are High, Molly McPherson (Substack.com | PRBreakdown.Media)

    Want More Behind the Breakdown?
    Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.

    Follow Molly → @MollyMcPherson
    Subscribe to PR Breakdown on Substack → prbreakdown.media

    Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting.


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    © 2025 The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson
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