CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — Harvard President Lawrence Summers was hoping for a sign that the worst was behind him, that critics were prepared to accept his apologies and move on.

Instead, Summers got a reminder Tuesday of just how angry some Harvard faculty members are over his management style and recent controversial comments about women in science.

In a surprising — if only symbolic — 218-185 vote, Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences approved a motion expressing a “lack of confidence” in Summers’ leadership.

In Harvard’s nearly 400-year history, which includes bitter disputes between presidents and faculty over everything from religion to investment in apartheid-era South Africa, such a vote was unprecedented.

“This was a resounding statement the faculty lacks confidence in President Lawrence Summers and he should resign,” said J. Lorand Matory, a professor of anthropology and African and African-American Studies who submitted the motion. “There is no noble alternative to resignation.”

Summers has given no indication he would consider stepping down. He officially answers only to the Harvard Corporation, the university’s governing body, which has expressed support for him. Furthermore, the arts and sciences faculty is just one of 10 that comprise Harvard.

Still, the vote Tuesday came as a surprise — even Matory said he expected no more than 30 percent support — and complicates Summers’ efforts to regain momentum for an agenda of remaking the university.

That agenda appears to have been largely sidetracked as Summers has spent much of the last two months dealing with fallout from the controversy, which ignited with comments he made at an academic conference on women in science.

“That’s a 50-50 question,” said emeritus professor Ihor Sevcenko, when asked if Summers could continue to lead Harvard effectively. “Much depends on the way he behaves.”

At the January conference, Summers argued that intrinsic differences in ability are a key reason why fewer women are in the applicant pool for jobs at the highest levels of science.

He has apologized repeatedly, though a number of supporters have argued he was raising a legitimate academic question.

But both measures were approved, the latter by a 253-137 vote.

Summers spoke briefly to reporters afterward, struggling to make himself heard over the voices of protesters.

“As I said to the faculty, I have tried these last couple months to listen to all that has been said, to learn from it, and to move forward, and that’s what I am going to do,” Summers said.

Ruth Wisse, a literature professor and Summers supporter, emphasized the “lack of confidence” measure was different from a “no-confidence” vote, which in the British parliamentary system causes the fall of a government.

The criticism over Summers’ comments quickly expanded into a broader attacks on the president's management style and his vision for the university, including major projects to expand Harvard’s campus across the Charles River in Boston.