Bard College President Leon Botstein to Retire Following Epstein Scrutiny

Retirement Announcement

Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College in New York, has announced his retirement. The announcement comes several months after reports surfaced indicating that Botstein had a deeper relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known.

In a note regarding his departure, the 79-year-old Botstein stated that he waited to announce his retirement publicly until an independent review of his relationship with the convicted sex offender had been completed. Botstein indicated that he will remain a member of the Bard faculty, continuing his work as a teacher and musician.

Nature of the Relationship

Documents released by the U.S. Justice Department this year revealed that Botstein and Epstein met on multiple occasions. According to these records, Epstein sometimes arrived at the Bard College campus via helicopter.

Further evidence of the relationship shows that Botstein asked Epstein to be a guest at the college's 2013 graduation ceremonies and suggested the two meet for an opera performance. While Botstein maintained a friendly relationship with Epstein for years despite Epstein's status as a convicted sex offender, he has not been accused of any involvement in Epstein's exploitation or abuse of women and girls.

Findings of the Independent Review

An independent review of the matter detailed internal disagreements regarding the college's engagement with Epstein. The review found that Botstein disagreed with a senior faculty member who believed Bard should not engage with Epstein.

According to the review, Botstein's position was based on the view that a person convicted of crimes involving sex with a minor—whom he described as "an ordinary sex offender"—could be presumed to be rehabilitated in the same way any other convicted person should be.

Additionally, the review stated that Botstein "forcefully argues" that the college's need for funding was the primary concern. The review quotes Botstein as saying, "I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work".