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Bard College President Defends Epstein Donations Amid Controversy

2/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bard College President Leon Botstein invited Jeffrey Epstein to Bard's New York City high schools after Epstein donated $125,000.
Emails show Botstein admired Epstein despite his status as a registered sex offender.
Botstein later said Epstein never visited the high schools but met him at Bard College.
In a Bard community letter, Botstein defended his fundraising interactions, saying Epstein was a donor.

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Story summary

Bard College President Leon Botstein invited Jeffrey Epstein to Bard's New York City high schools after Epstein donated $125,000.
Emails show Botstein admired Epstein despite his status as a registered sex offender.
Botstein later said Epstein never visited the high schools but met him at Bard College.
In a Bard community letter, Botstein defended his fundraising interactions, saying Epstein was a donor.