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Bard President Botstein Faces Fallout Over Epstein Ties

4/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Bard College President Leon Botstein addressed staff about his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Botstein claimed he could not have known Epstein's true character.
The college's board hired WilmerHale to investigate their communications.
A controversial 2014 email raises questions about the relationship, which the college disputes as not being from Botstein.
Staff expressed frustration over Botstein's remarks.

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Story summary

Bard College President Leon Botstein addressed staff about his past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Botstein claimed he could not have known Epstein's true character.
The college's board hired WilmerHale to investigate their communications.
A controversial 2014 email raises questions about the relationship, which the college disputes as not being from Botstein.
Staff expressed frustration over Botstein's remarks.