Leon Botstein Resigns After Review Exposes Years of Contact and Fundraising Links to Epstein (5/4/26)

Leon Botstein announced he would step down as president of Bard College after more than 50 years in the role, with his resignation taking effect June 30, 2026. His departure followed an internal legal review examining his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The review found that Botstein had significantly more contact with Epstein than he had previously disclosed, including meetings, correspondence, and fundraising-related interactions tied to Epstein’s financial contributions and connections.

Although the review did not find criminal wrongdoing, it raised serious concerns about Botstein’s judgment and transparency, particularly his continued association with Epstein despite growing warnings and reputational risks. Epstein’s donations and his role in connecting Bard to other potential donors further complicated the situation and intensified scrutiny around the institution’s handling of the relationship. In response, Bard is moving forward with a leadership transition and has indicated that any funds linked to Epstein will be redirected toward initiatives supporting survivors, while Botstein plans to remain at the college in a faculty and cultural role.





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Leon Botstein resigns as Bard College president