Bard College's board of trustees has initiated an independent review into the relationship between its long-serving president, Leon Botstein, and the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The decision, announced Thursday, follows the recent release of Department of Justice documents that revealed communications suggesting a closer connection than the college had previously acknowledged.
The board has retained the external law firm WilmerHale to conduct a thorough examination of the matter. This move signals a significant step by the institution's leadership to address concerns from the campus community and the public regarding the president's judgment and associations.
Key Takeaways
- Bard College's board of trustees has hired the law firm WilmerHale to conduct an independent review.
- The investigation focuses on President Leon Botstein's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
- The review was prompted by newly released Justice Department emails showing a warm correspondence between Botstein and Epstein.
- President Botstein has issued an apology to the campus community, describing Epstein as a "truly evil man."
- The review will also examine the college's donor vetting policies and potential conflicts of interest.
External Firm to Lead Investigation
The board of trustees at the liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, confirmed the external review in a formal statement. The hiring of WilmerHale, a prominent law firm, is intended to ensure an impartial and comprehensive investigation into the president's conduct.
According to the board's statement, the review will have a broad mandate. It will examine “the full scope of these communications, financial contributions connected to Epstein, and any related matters relevant to understanding these issues fully.”
This is the first time the board, led by billionaire James Cox Chambers, has formally addressed the controversy since the new documents came to light. The board has committed to transparency, stating it will share the results of the review and outline how the college will “move forward as a community.”
Scope of the Review
Beyond investigating the direct interactions between Botstein and Epstein, the law firm will also provide recommendations on institutional policies. The board has specifically requested guidance on improving its procedures for vetting potential donors and managing conflicts of interest.
This part of the investigation aims to strengthen the college's governance and prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. The focus is on creating a more robust framework for fundraising and institutional relationships.
A Long-Standing Presidency
Dr. Leon Botstein has been the president of Bard College since 1975, making him one of the longest-serving college presidents in the United States. Over his nearly five-decade tenure, he has been credited with transforming the small liberal arts school into a nationally recognized institution with a global network of programs. His reputation as a formidable fundraiser has been central to the college's growth and financial stability.
Newly Revealed Communications Spark Scrutiny
The catalyst for the board's action was a collection of emails released by the Department of Justice late last month. These documents painted a different picture of the relationship than the one President Botstein had previously described.
For years, Dr. Botstein maintained that his contact with Epstein was purely transactional, aimed at securing a significant donation for what he described as a “financially precarious college.” He stated that the relationship began with a small, unsolicited gift from Epstein in 2011, which he then pursued in hopes of a larger contribution that never came to fruition.
However, the emails revealed a more personal and familiar tone. In one message, Botstein wrote that he cherished his “new friendship” with Epstein. In another communication from 2013, he signed off with, “Miss you.”
Details from the Documents
The released documents indicate that President Botstein visited Epstein's Manhattan townhouse on multiple occasions. Furthermore, they show Epstein used his helicopter to travel from New York City to the Bard College campus, landing directly on its grounds. On at least one of these trips, Epstein was reportedly accompanied by women.
The two also collaborated on a personal matter, working together to purchase a rare and expensive watch. These details have raised questions about whether the relationship was strictly professional, as was previously claimed.
President Botstein's Apology
In the week prior to the board's announcement, President Botstein addressed the campus community directly. He sent a note apologizing for his relationship with Epstein, acknowledging the harm it caused and the concerns it raised.
“I deeply regret my association with Jeffrey Epstein,” Botstein wrote in his message to the campus. He referred to Epstein as a “truly evil man” and acknowledged the pain that his past interactions have caused students, faculty, and alumni.
Botstein reiterated his original motive, stating that his goal was always to secure funding for the college's mission. In a 2023 interview, he explained his fundraising approach simply: “A guy sent us money, and we followed up.”
Despite his apology, the extent and nature of the relationship revealed in the emails have created a significant challenge for his presidency and the college's reputation. The independent review is now tasked with uncovering the full story and providing a path forward for the institution.
Implications for Bard College and Higher Education
The situation at Bard College highlights a persistent challenge for universities and non-profit institutions: the ethics of fundraising and the complexities of vetting donors. The pressure to secure funding can sometimes lead to associations that later become liabilities.
The outcome of WilmerHale's investigation could have lasting implications for Bard's leadership and governance. The findings will likely influence not only personnel decisions but also fundamental policies that shape the college's financial and ethical future.
As the review gets underway, the Bard community awaits answers. The board's promise to share the results will be a critical step in rebuilding trust and ensuring accountability at the highest levels of the institution.
