Bard College's president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for nearly 50 years, will retire at the end of June following scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review found that Botstein made misleading statements about the nature and extent of his interactions with Epstein, though no illegal conduct was uncovered. Botstein will remain on the college's faculty as a teacher and musician.
- ▪Leon Botstein has been president of Bard College for half a century and will retire at the end of June.
- ▪Documents revealed multiple meetings between Botstein and Epstein, including fundraising discussions and social overtures, with Epstein once arriving at Bard by helicopter.
- ▪An independent review found Botstein did not break the law but misrepresented the depth of his relationship with Epstein and downplayed concerns about associating with a convicted sex offender.
- ▪Botstein stated he would take money from 'Satan' if it advanced the college’s mission, justifying his engagement with Epstein for fundraising purposes.
- ▪Bard College will redirect funds tied to Epstein to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onBard College's president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey EpsteinThe longtime president of Bard College in New York has announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship than was previously known with disgraced financier Jeffrey EpsteinByThe Associated PressMay 1, 2026, 9:25 PM1:55FILE - Bard College President Leon Botstein speaks during the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. (AP Photo/Philip Kamrass, File)The Associated PressANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.
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