Brandeis President: I Acted Too Hastily

The president of Brandeis University says his original message about the future of the Rose Art Museum may have been "misunderstood."

In a letter to students and faculty yesterday, Jehuda Reinharz said he "screwed up" in how he communicated the Board of Trustees' decision to close the Rose and sell some of its collection to help ease the university's financial crisis. He also apologized for not including more of the Brandeis community in the decision-making process.

While the Rose museum will stay open in name, it won't be a public art museum. And while the university won't sell its entire collection, it will sell some works, if necessary.

President Jehuda Reinharz spoke with WBUR about the situation.