Bard College President Leon Botstein Retires After Epstein Ties Revealed
Leon Botstein, president of Bard College for 50 years, announced his retirement effective June 2025, following revelations of his extensive ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review by WilmerHale found Botstein minimized and was inaccurate in describing the relationship, though no illegal activity was found. Botstein will remain on faculty as a teacher and musician. Epstein donated $150,000 to Botstein in 2016, which was given to the college. The review criticized Botstein's judgment, noting he said he would take money from Satan to do God's work. Bard's trustees will direct Epstein-associated funds to support survivors of sexual harm.
Key facts
- Leon Botstein announced retirement as Bard College president after 50 years.
- Retirement effective end of June 2025.
- Announcement followed an independent review of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Review by WilmerHale found Botstein minimized and was inaccurate about the relationship.
- Epstein donated $150,000 to Botstein in 2016, which was given to the college.
- Botstein said he would take money from Satan to do God's work.
- Botstein will remain on Bard's faculty as teacher and musician.
- Bard trustees will direct Epstein-associated funds to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.
Entities
Institutions
- Bard College
- The Associated Press
- U.S. Justice Department
- The Miami Herald
- WilmerHale
- Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at Bard
Locations
- Annandale-on-Hudson
- New York
- United States