How Harvard Said No—and Made It Stick

This week’s episode drops early for Substack subscribers—because this story keeps moving, and the lesson here? Too important to wait.

In this episode of The PR Breakdown, I break down Harvard University’s April 2025 public letter to the Trump administration—a message that wasn’t defensive, vague, or soft. It was bold. It was legal. And it was morally grounded in a way most institutions just don’t pull off anymore.

Here’s what made the letter worth studying:

• It didn’t hedge. It drew a line.

• It wasn’t rushed. It was structured.

• It wasn’t loud. It was rooted in values.

• It wasn’t reactive. It was resilient.

This isn’t just about politics. It’s about power, messaging, and what it really means to lead through conflict.

Whether you work in PR, comms, leadership, higher ed, or you’ve just had to write something hard while someone breathes down your neck—this episode will give you a way in.

I’d love to hear from you:
If you had to write a bold public statement for your boss or organization tomorrow, what’s the part you’d find hardest?
The first line? The legal risks? Getting leadership to approve it?
Drop your thoughts in the comments—and if you want feedback, I’ll jump in.

Because in 2025, staying silent isn’t the safe move. Standing clear is.

Thanks for listening.
More soon.