Bard College President Leon Botstein Announces Retirement After Epstein Review

Leon Botstein, who has served as president of Bard College for 50 years, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2025. The decision follows an independent review commissioned by the college's Board of Trustees into his interactions with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Botstein will remain on the faculty as a teacher and musician.

Review Details

The independent review, conducted by the law firm WilmerHale, documented a series of interactions between Botstein and Epstein from approximately 2012 to 2019. According to the report:

• Botstein made approximately 25 visits to Epstein's townhouse
• He undertook a two-day visit to Epstein's Little St. James Island
• He hosted Epstein at Bard College on at least two occasions

During these visits, multiple women who were later identified as Epstein's victims were reportedly present.

The review noted that a senior faculty member had warned Botstein against engaging with Epstein, whom Botstein was courting as a potential donor. Botstein reportedly argued that Bard's need for funds was paramount, stating:

"I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God's work."

Financial Aspects

In 2016, Botstein accepted fees under a consulting agreement with an entity associated with Epstein, intending to donate the funds to Bard College. The report noted that the donations were not separately identified as originating from Epstein, and the board could not independently confirm the contribution. A separate payment of $150,000 from Epstein to Botstein in 2016 was also referenced.

Botstein's Statements and Actions

The review characterized Botstein's public statements regarding his relationship with Epstein as minimizing and not fully accurate. Botstein had previously denied a personal connection to Epstein but later acknowledged the relationship.

According to the report, Botstein stated he did not see a risk to Bard's reputation or to students from exposure to Epstein, nor did he consider that his actions could validate Epstein to potential victims.

The review found no evidence of illegal conduct.

Institutional Response

Bard's Board of Trustees received the findings on April 30 and subsequently announced Botstein's retirement. The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees stated that the concerns raised were serious and deeply felt.

Funds associated with Epstein will be directed to organizations supporting survivors of sexual harm.

The board's announcement confirmed that Epstein had visited the Bard campus by helicopter and attended graduation ceremonies in 2013.