Bard College President Botstein to Retire After Epstein Ties Scrutiny
Bard College President Leon Botstein will retire at the end of June after a WilmerHale review found that his Epstein-era fundraising raised questions about leadership and donor vetting, though the report said nothing illegal occurred. The findings show Botstein cultivated Epstein as a donor, visited his properties, and didn’t fully disclose Epstein-linked funds to Bard’s board. Bard will strengthen donor-vetting procedures and redirect Epstein-related funds to organizations supporting sexual-harm survivors, while Botstein will remain involved with Bard’s programs through retirement.