Bard College President Leon Botstein to Step Down After Epstein Ties Inquiry

The news surrounding Leon Botstein's departure from Bard College is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about judgment and accountability. While Botstein has served Bard with dedication for five decades, the findings of the WilmerHale review cannot be ignored. The report clearly indicates that Botstein's interactions with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were extensive, including visits to Epstein's properties and acceptance of consulting fees.

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could have alerted

Bard College's board of trustees has accepted Botstein's retirement, effective June 30, following the review's findings. The WilmerHale report suggests that Botstein may have been alerted to Epstein's predatory behavior but continued to engage with him, reportedly prioritizing the college's need for funds. Botstein's stated view, as cited in the report, that he would "take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work," highlights a disturbing willingness to overlook serious ethical concerns for financial gain.

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I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work

This situation underscores a critical issue: the potential for even well-intentioned institutions to become entangled with problematic individuals when financial considerations become paramount. While Botstein has not been charged with any wrongdoing, the review's conclusion that his interactions "could have alerted" him to Epstein's abuse is damning. Bard College must now navigate a path forward that prioritizes the safety and ethical integrity of its community, ensuring that such a situation does not arise again. The college's commitment to an "orderly transition" is a necessary step, but the shadow cast by these revelations will undoubtedly require careful and transparent management.

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His view was, ‘I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work,’