Wow! University treasurer James Rothenberg gave an interview to the Crimson yesterday. Rothenberg is the first member of the Corporation to say a word in public about the crisis and controversy gripping Harvard, also known as a $30-billion 501(c)3 non-profit institution. In his interview, Rothenberg explicitly addressed questions about Larry Summers’ future, the firing of Bill Kirby, the Andrei Shleifer scandal, the Harvard AIDS scandal, the Davos incident, and rumors that Harvard has deliberately overstated donor contributions.

Rothenberg further explained that as a member of the board of directors of a massive non-profit, tax-free institution, he felt a moral responsibility to speak clearly and publicly to the members of the Harvard community, as well as the press. “If the Corporation is to retain any of its moral legitimacy, it must deal with the current situation in a candid and public way,” Rothenberg said.

Oh…no. Wait. I’m sorry.

Rothenberg actually spoke about some money he gave Harvard for hiring new professors. (I’m sure it’s just a coincidence that this news was announced now, as more and more professors grow furious with the Corporation.) He didn’t really say that whole thing about the Corporation being moral and candid.

Silly me. Never mind!