Bard College president to retire after revelations of his ties to Epstein
Summary
Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for 50 years, will retire at the end of June following revelations about his close ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review found Botstein did not break any laws but was not fully honest about his relationship with Epstein, leading to concerns about his leadership.Key Facts
- Leon Botstein has led Bard College in New York for 50 years and announced his retirement at age 79.
- The school waited to announce the retirement until an independent review about Botstein’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was completed.
- The review found Botstein’s relationship with Epstein did not involve any illegal actions but noted he was not fully truthful about the connection.
- Botstein had invited Epstein to campus events and accepted a $150,000 donation from Epstein, which he said was given to the college.
- Botstein continued to keep contact with Epstein even after Epstein’s criminal conviction and news reports about his crimes.
- Botstein believed that a person convicted of sex crimes could be rehabilitated and justified accepting Epstein’s support for college fundraising.
- The Bard Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for Botstein’s work but also acknowledged concerns raised by his ties to Epstein.
- Botstein will stay on as a teacher and musician at Bard after retiring as president.
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