Bard’s board voted to end Botstein’s tenure as president after independent review of Epstein ties
Summary
Bard College’s board of trustees ended Leon Botstein’s 51-year tenure as president after an independent review investigated his connection with Jeffrey Epstein. The review found no illegal actions but criticized Botstein for not being fully honest about his relationship with Epstein and for risking the college’s reputation.Key Facts
- Leon Botstein served as Bard College’s president for 51 years before the board voted to end his tenure.
- The decision followed an independent review of Botstein’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
- Botstein had accepted donations from Epstein and traveled to Epstein’s private island in 2012.
- The law firm WilmerHale conducted the review, finding no illegal conduct but noting Botstein was not fully truthful about his relationship with Epstein.
- Botstein announced his retirement effective June 30, presenting it as a planned decision linked to a fundraising campaign.
- Some board members resigned following the vote, and there is concern among faculty and alumni about the board’s decisions.
- An alum requested an investigation by the New York attorney general into the board’s handling of Botstein’s presidency.
- Bard College stated it is focused on the future and maintaining its reputation as a leading liberal arts college.
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