In the course of discussion, and in other informal conversations with HLS faculty since, Summers the law school needs to consider how its buildings fit under all scenarios in Allston, including one in which HLS moves across the river.

Faculty and administrators present at the meeting would not comment on Summers’ exact message.

And despite the appearance that such a request could delay the approval of the law school’s strategic plan, those present at the meeting say this was not the case.

Summers also says that he is not looking to slow the plans of HLS or other schools.

“The position is not that nothing can take place [in Cambridge] until the Allston issues are resolved, but that rational planning means recognizing that there are different possibilities, making sure that we don’t do things that are imprudent due to the uncertainties we face,” Summers said.

But Summers did say that further consideration of HLS’ plans would occur before their approval.

“There is a lot of appreciation for everything that has gone into the plan [but] there are various refinements under way, and issues being addressed,” Summers says.

Charles Fried, Beneficial professor of law who other HLS professors say was a key player in the faculty’s vote against moving to Allston, says that Summers’ concern for adaptability is not unexpected—and not unreasonable.