Bard College President Retires Amid Revelations of Extensive Epstein Ties
Annandale-on-Hudson, Saturday, 2 May 2026.
Bard’s president, who claimed he’d “take money from Satan” for funding, retires this June after an inquiry revealed extensive Epstein ties, underscoring the severe risks of poor donor vetting.
A Half-Century Tenure Ends Amid Governance Concerns
Leon Botstein, who assumed the presidency of Bard College in 1975 at the age of 28, is stepping down after a tenure spanning approximately 51 years [1]. His retirement, effective June 30, 2026, follows an independent review by the law firm WilmerHale into his extensive relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein [1][2]. While the board of trustees received the law firm’s findings on April 30, 2026, prompting Botstein to formally submit his retirement, public announcements were staggered over the subsequent days [alert! ‘Sources provide slightly conflicting exact dates between April 26 and May 1, 2026, for the official retirement announcement and report release’] [1][2].
The High Cost of Fundraising Blind Spots
The financial imperative driving Botstein’s actions was laid bare in the WilmerHale report. Defending his aggressive fundraising strategies, Botstein reportedly argued that the college’s financial needs were paramount, famously stating his willingness to “take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work” [1][2]. Bard College’s endowment has grown significantly over the years, bolstered by a substantial $500 million pledge from George Soros in 2021, pushing the total fund past the $1 billion mark [1]. However, the pursuit of capital led Botstein to cultivate a relationship with Epstein following an unsolicited donation in 2011 [1]. In 2013, Botstein even sent a note to Epstein stating he missed him and referencing their “new friendship” [1].
Undisclosed Finances and Reputational Fallout
A critical governance failure emerged regarding undisclosed financial arrangements. In 2016, Botstein accepted fees through a consulting agreement with an Epstein-affiliated entity, a move he failed to disclose to Bard’s board of trustees [2]. Botstein claimed to investigators that these funds were intended for the college and were subsequently rolled into the personal contributions made by him and his wife over several years [2]. However, the WilmerHale report concluded that documentary evidence could not verify the transfer of these specific fees to the institution [2].
Institutional Transition and Next Steps
As Bard College navigates this leadership crisis, the focus shifts to institutional continuity and rebuilding trust. The faculty senate had previously urged the trustees to envision a future beyond Botstein’s half-century rule and to plan for a leadership transition [1]. The board is expected to announce an interim leader shortly, alongside details for a national search to identify the next president [1].