Bard College President Leon Botstein to Retire Amid Epstein Ties Scandal

Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College, announced his retirement effective at the end of June, months after it came to light that his ties to Jeffrey Epstein were far more extensive than previously acknowledged. Botstein’s half-century tenure at the liberal arts college in New York has been marked by transformation and growth, but his legacy is now clouded by his association with Epstein.

The retirement announcement came in a letter to the Bard community, where Botstein notably avoided addressing the controversy directly. Instead, he emphasized waiting for the completion of an independent review by the law firm WilmerHale, which was released shortly before his announcement. The review concluded that while Botstein did not break any laws, his decisions and public statements about his relationship with Epstein were misleading and reflected poorly on his leadership.

Documents released by the Justice Department this year revealed multiple meetings between Botstein and Epstein, including instances where Epstein arrived on campus by helicopter. Botstein invited Epstein as a guest to Bard’s 2013 graduation and suggested meeting for cultural events like opera performances. The president also maintained contact with Epstein after the Miami Herald exposed new details about Epstein’s criminal prosecution in 2018, expressing concern for his wellbeing and referring to their “friendship” in emails.

Financial ties further complicated the relationship. Epstein funneled $150,000 to Botstein in 2016, which Botstein claims he donated to the college. However, Botstein had previously downplayed any personal connection, insisting his interactions with Epstein were strictly related to fundraising efforts.

The review highlighted a troubling mindset from Botstein, who dismissed concerns from faculty about engaging with Epstein. He argued that Epstein, despite his conviction for sex crimes involving minors, should be presumed rehabilitated like any other offender. Botstein’s justification boiled down to a stark pragmatism: “I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work.”

Bard’s Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for Botstein’s service but acknowledged the serious nature of the concerns raised. They pledged to redirect any Epstein-linked funds to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.

This episode adds Bard College to the long list of institutions grappling with the fallout from Epstein’s pervasive influence and the complicity of powerful figures who enabled his abuses. Botstein’s retirement marks a necessary reckoning, though it underscores the broader failure to hold elites accountable and protect vulnerable communities.