Longtime Bard College President Announces Retirement Amid Epstein Controversy
Leon Botstein, the long-serving president of Bard College, has decided to step down following revelations of his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement comes after an independent review into his relationship with the convicted sex offender.
Bard College President Leon Botstein speaks during the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. Philip Kamrass/AP
Botstein, who has held the presidency at Bard for five decades, communicated his retirement decision in an email shared with The Associated Press. This move comes after a completed review of his association with Epstein, although Botstein did not directly reference the controversy in his announcement.
Despite his retirement, Botstein, aged 79, plans to continue his involvement with Bard as a faculty member, teaching and engaging in music. While he has not been implicated in any of Epstein’s criminal activities, his longstanding acquaintance with Epstein has been scrutinized, especially following the release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department.
The records disclosed meetings between Botstein and Epstein, including instances where Epstein arrived at Bard College via helicopter. Botstein had also invited Epstein to attend Bard’s 2013 graduation and considered meeting him at an opera. Furthermore, after a 2018 report by The Miami Herald on Epstein’s prosecution, Botstein expressed support to Epstein via email, referring to their “friendship.”
In 2016, Epstein directed a $150,000 donation to Botstein, which the president donated to Bard College. Botstein has maintained that his interactions with Epstein were primarily for fundraising purposes and denied personal ties.
Bard College engaged the law firm WilmerHale to independently review communications between Botstein and Epstein. The review concluded that while Botstein’s actions were not illegal, they “reflect on his leadership of Bard.” Moreover, the review highlighted that Botstein’s public descriptions of his relationship with Epstein were not entirely accurate.
The review also revealed that Botstein had dismissed concerns from faculty about associating with Epstein, arguing that even individuals convicted of serious crimes should be presumed rehabilitated. Botstein reportedly stated, “I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work.”
Bard’s Board of Trustees acknowledged Botstein’s significant contributions to the college but noted the serious concerns arising from recent revelations. The board decided that funds linked to Epstein will be allocated to organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse.
Bard’s media office praised Botstein as “a transformative leader” whose vision and dedication have elevated Bard to a premier educational institution.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
