Bard College president exits as Epstein ties draw scrutiny
Bard College President Leon Botstein announced his retirement amid scrutiny over his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Botstein's ties to Epstein drew criticism after documents released by the Justice Department showed a closer relationship between the two men than previously known.
Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College, is stepping down at the end of June amid scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Botstein announced his retirement in an email, stating that he waited until an independent review of his relationship with Epstein was completed. The review found that while Botstein's actions were not illegal, his decisions reflected on his leadership of Bard. Documents released by the Justice Department showed that Botstein and Epstein maintained a closer relationship than previously known, with Botstein inviting Epstein to graduation ceremonies and referencing their 'friendship' in emails. Botstein denied any personal connection to Epstein, claiming their interactions were solely for soliciting donations for Bard. The controversy has sparked a wider examination of Epstein's ties to academia, with several universities facing questions about their links to the disgraced financier. Botstein will remain on Bard's faculty as a teacher and musician.
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