Bard College’s President, Leon Botstein, Will Retire After Epstein Revelations
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for over 50 years, announced his retirement following the release of documents revealing a closer relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than previously known.
- The Justice Department files showed that Botstein exchanged messages and visits with Epstein for years, including after Epstein’s conviction for solicitation of a minor.
- An independent review by law firm WilmerHale found Botstein’s actions were not illegal but raised concerns about his leadership, noting he ignored faculty warnings to avoid Epstein.
- The review highlighted Botstein’s justification for accepting Epstein’s support, quoting him saying he would “take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work.”
