Bard College President Ousted Over Epstein Ties After Cover-Up Exposed

Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College, is stepping down amid a scandal over his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted child sex trafficker. A law firm hired by Bard’s board uncovered that Botstein repeatedly minimized and misrepresented his relationship with Epstein, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.

According to a memo from WilmerHale, the law firm investigating the matter, Botstein ignored concerns raised by senior faculty members about Epstein’s involvement with the college. He failed to inform the board about accepting Epstein’s donations and actively invited Epstein to campus, potentially exposing students to risk.

The investigation revealed Botstein’s chilling justification for his actions: “I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work.” This stark admission underscores a troubling pattern of prioritizing institutional funding over ethical considerations and student safety.

Botstein’s resignation marks one of the rare instances where a powerful American figure has lost their position due to Epstein connections, contrasting with many others who have escaped accountability. The fallout also highlights the broader issue of elite institutions enabling Epstein’s network and turning a blind eye to abuses.

Bard College, a private liberal arts institution with about 2,300 undergraduates, has long been known for innovative programs and academic risks under Botstein’s leadership. However, this scandal now casts a dark shadow over the college’s reputation and raises urgent questions about oversight and transparency.

This case is yet another example of how Epstein’s influence reached deep into respected institutions and how those in power repeatedly chose silence and complicity over protecting vulnerable individuals. The demand for accountability is clear: no more cover-ups, no more enabling abusers.