Former Bard President With Epstein Ties Resigns From College Positions, tell me about this news today

Former Bard President With Epstein Ties Resigns From College Positions

Leon Botstein, the long-tenured former president of Bard College, has resigned from all of his remaining positions at the institution following mounting political pressure and calls by members of the U.S. Congress for a federal Department of Justice investigation into his past connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Key Developments and Background

• Full Severing of Ties: Botstein, who led the Hudson Valley liberal arts college for over 50 years before agreeing to step down from the presidency earlier in 2026, had initially retained faculty and conducting affiliations. He has now completely stepped down from all remaining academic and administrative roles at Bard.

  Higher Ed Dive+ 1

• Congressional Demands for a Federal Probe: The resignation comes immediately after congressional lawmakers demanded a formal Justice Department probe into the extent of Botstein’s interactions and relationship with Epstein.

  www.thedailycatch.org

• Institutional Findings: An independent review conducted by the law firm WilmerHale revealed that Botstein had sustained contact with Epstein between 2012 and 2019, including approximately 25 visits to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse, a trip to Epstein’s private island, and visits by Epstein to the Bard campus.

  The Guardian

• Campus Impact: While the internal inquiry concluded Botstein engaged in no criminal wrongdoing, the report noted his failure to recognize the severe reputational hazards and potential risks of legitimizing Epstein. Continued faculty and student pushback, combined with fresh congressional scrutiny, made his ongoing presence untenable.

  The Guardian+ 1