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Bard President Leon Botstein (Finally) Resigns, Following Epstein Revelations

Leon Botstein, president of Bard College since 1975, announced his retirement on Friday following the release of an independent report by the law firm WilmerHale, commissioned by Bard's board of trustees. The report found that Botstein had not been "fully accurate" in his public accounts of his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, revealing visits to Epstein's private island, personal messages, a joint watch purchase worth $56,000, and invitations to campus. While no illegal conduct was identified, the report raised serious concerns about Botstein's leadership and judgment. Botstein will step down on June 30 but remain at Bard as a professor.

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bard college to launch independent review of presidents ties to jeffrey epstein 1234774074

Bard College has initiated an independent review of President Leon Botstein’s relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the release of Department of Justice emails. While Botstein previously characterized the connection as purely philanthropic, the new correspondence suggests a more personal friendship, including frequent visits to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse and a 2012 trip to Epstein’s private island. The college's board of trustees has hired the law firm WilmerHale to investigate the extent of these communications and any financial contributions.