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Harvard president privately tells faculty university needs to rethink messaging after GOP victory

Harvard University president Alan M. Garber reportedly told faculty that they need to rethink their messaging following the Republican Party's election sweep. 

During a closed-door session of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences on Dec. 3, according to three anonymous faculty members, Garber said that since becoming president he has met with roughly 40 members of Congress during his six trips to Washington. He reportedly admitted there were "bipartisan frustrations with Harvard and acknowledged that he believes the criticisms contain elements of truth," according to the Crimson.

The Crimson reported Garber saw last month's election results as an "anti-elite repudiation by the American electorate," and said Harvard "must listen to public criticism with 'empathy and humility.'"

Harvard University President Alan Garber at the Harvard University 363rd Commencement Exercises Ceremony on May 29, 2014 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  (Paul Marotta/Getty Images)

He admitted Harvard's communications strategy has not worked as well as its leaders originally thought. However, Garber did not provide details on how Harvard would modify its messaging going forward. 

"Garber’s conciliatory tone suggests he intends to take a diplomatic approach — rather than a defiant one — as he interacts with an incoming presidential administration that has Harvard in its crosshairs," The Crimson reported.

At the meeting, vice president for public affairs and communications Paul Andrew reportedly detailed what he believes are the key legislative threats to Harvard, including the endowment tax, congressional probes and threats to federal research funding.

Harvard University was one of several institutions plagued by on-campus antisemitism. (JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

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