On February 24, 2026, Bard College announced it had opened an independent review into the relationship between its longtime president Leon Botstein and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The college’s Board of Trustees hired an outside law firm to conduct the review, which will examine communications and financial contributions tied to Epstein.
The announcement follows released Department of Justice documents showing extended contact between Epstein and Botstein, including emails and communications that span multiple years. Some of the interactions occurred after Epstein had already been convicted in 2008 of soliciting a minor for prostitution. The board said the independent review aims to assess the full scope of any institutional issues arising from the ties.
Bard College President Leon Botstein sent a letter to the campus community describing his association with Epstein, saying his interactions were focused on fundraising for the college and expressing regret about the connection and sympathy for Epstein’s victims. The letter outlined the history of donations and correspondence between the two.
The Board of Trustees retained the law firm WilmerHale to conduct the investigation. The review will examine communications, financial contributions, and any other matters raised by the released documents. Bard College also postponed its spring gala scheduled for late March amid ongoing scrutiny.
Botstein has led Bard College since 1975. The independent review and related developments have prompted discussions among students, faculty, and alumni about accountability and transparency in institutional leadership.
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