Bard College's president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey Epstein
Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for nearly 50 years, announced his retirement following revelations about his extensive relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Although Botstein was not accused of involvement in Epstein's crimes, an independent review found he minimized and misrepresented the nature of their interactions. He will step down at the end of June but remain on 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.
- ▪Botstein maintained multiple contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, including inviting him to campus events and referring to him as a 'friend' in emails.
- ▪An independent review by WilmerHale found Botstein did not break the law but made leadership decisions that misrepresented his relationship with Epstein.
- ▪Botstein defended his association with Epstein by stating he would 'take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God's work.'
- ▪Bard College will redirect funds linked to Epstein to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.
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National Bard College's president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey Epstein May 2, 20268:09 PM ET By The Associated Press Bard College President Leon Botstein speaks during the 153rd Commencement at Bard College, May 25, 2013, in Annandale-on-Hudson, N.Y. Philip Kamrass/AP hide caption toggle caption Philip Kamrass/AP ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. — The longtime president of Bard College announced his retirement Friday, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship with Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known. Leon Botstein, who has been president of the small, liberal arts college inn New York for a half century, will retire at the end of June, he wrote in an email provided to The Associated Press by Bard.
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