Bard College President Leon Botstein to Retire Amid Epstein Relationship Fallout

Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for nearly 50 years, is stepping down at the end of June after scrutiny over his close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the notorious sex offender. Botstein’s retirement comes months after newly released documents exposed a deeper connection between the two than previously acknowledged.

According to a trove of U.S. Justice Department documents, Epstein frequently visited Bard College—sometimes arriving by helicopter—and maintained a friendly rapport with Botstein. The college president invited Epstein as a guest to the 2013 graduation and even suggested meeting for an opera performance. Despite Epstein’s criminal record, Botstein reached out to him in 2018 expressing concern following media reports about Epstein’s prosecution, referring to their “friendship” in multiple emails.

Botstein also accepted $150,000 from Epstein in 2016, which he claims was donated to Bard College. Previously, Botstein denied any personal connection with Epstein, insisting their interactions were strictly related to fundraising efforts.

Bard’s Board of Trustees commissioned an independent review by law firm WilmerHale to examine the communications between Botstein and Epstein. The review concluded that while Botstein did not break any laws, he was not fully truthful about the nature of their relationship and made leadership decisions that raised serious ethical questions.

Notably, Botstein reportedly dismissed concerns from faculty about engaging with Epstein, rationalizing that a convicted sex offender should be presumed rehabilitated. He famously said, “I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work,” underscoring his prioritization of fundraising above all else.

The Board acknowledged Botstein’s decades of service but stressed that the recent revelations were “serious and deeply felt.” Funds linked to Epstein will be redirected to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.

Botstein will remain on Bard’s faculty as a teacher and musician, but his retirement marks the end of a controversial chapter for the institution. His case exemplifies how powerful figures enabled Epstein’s abuses by maintaining relationships despite his criminal history—a pattern that continues to demand accountability.