Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College in New York, has announced his retirement following an independent review that scrutinized his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Botstein, 79, who has led the liberal arts institution for half a century, will step down at the end of June, according to an email provided to the press by the Associated Press.
The decision follows a critical report delivered by the law firm WilmerHale to the college’s Board of Trustees. While the review found that Botstein did not engage in any illegal activity, it concluded that he minimized and was not fully accurate
when describing his ties to Epstein to the Bard community. Botstein, who has served as president since 1975, indicated he would remain with the college as a teacher and musician.
Investigation Reveals Depth of Ties to Jeffrey Epstein
The independent review conducted by WilmerHale detailed a relationship far more extensive than Botstein had previously acknowledged. Justice Department documents released this year revealed that the two met on multiple occasions, including instances where Epstein arrived at the campus by helicopter. Botstein’s interactions with Epstein extended beyond fundraising. he had previously asked Epstein to be a guest at the 2013 graduation ceremonies and suggested they attend an opera performance together.
The report also highlighted Botstein’s personal outreach to Epstein. In 2018, weeks after the Miami Herald published new details regarding Epstein’s criminal prosecution, Botstein contacted him, stating, I want you to know that I hope you are holding up as well as can be expected
. In at least two separate emails, Botstein referred to his friendship
with the convicted offender according to reporting on the review.
Financial ties were also a central point of the investigation. In 2016, Epstein steered $150,000 to Botstein. The president has stated that these funds were donated to the college. However, the WilmerHale review noted that Botstein’s justification for maintaining the connection was rooted in the institution’s financial needs.
I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work,Botstein told investigators during the review of his connection to Epstein. Leon Botstein, President of Bard College (via WilmerHale report)
Institutional Fallout and Board Response
The Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for Botstein’s 51 years of service but acknowledged that the controversy surrounding his associations has been serious and deeply felt
. The board’s Executive Committee stated that any funds associated with Epstein will now be directed to organizations that support survivors of sexual harm.
The investigation also revealed an internal conflict within the college’s leadership. Botstein reportedly disagreed with a senior faculty member who argued that Bard should not engage with Epstein. According to the review, Botstein operated under the belief that a person convicted of crimes involving sex with a minor—whom he described as an ordinary sex offender
—could be presumed rehabilitated.
Despite the scrutiny, Botstein has not been accused of any involvement in Epstein’s exploitation or abuse of women and girls. The focus of the retirement and the board’s concern remains the transparency of his leadership and the ethical implications of his associations while serving as the face of the institution.
Key Developments in the Botstein Retirement
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| 1975 | Leon Botstein begins tenure as President of Bard College. |
| 2013 | Botstein invites Jeffrey Epstein to be a guest at commencement ceremonies. |
| 2016 | Jeffrey Epstein steers $150,000 to Botstein (donated to the college). |
| 2018 | Botstein reaches out to Epstein following Miami Herald reports on criminal prosecution. |
| May 2026 | WilmerHale report delivered to Board; Botstein announces retirement. |
The transition marks the end of one of the longest presidencies in the history of American higher education. As the college prepares for a leadership change at the end of June, the administration is now tasked with navigating the reputational damage caused by the revelations of the president’s ties to Epstein.
The college has not yet announced a successor or a formal search process for the next president. Further updates regarding the redistribution of Epstein-linked funds to survivors’ organizations are expected as the transition proceeds.
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