Bard College president tells staff he will soon be cleared in inquiry over Epstein ties

The Guardian US News
by Stephanie Kirchgaessner
April 10, 2026
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2 min read

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The Bottom Line

Bard College's president expects to be cleared in an inquiry regarding his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

AI Summary

Bard College president Leon Botstein informed staff this week that he expects to be cleared in an inquiry regarding his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Botstein reportedly told staff he could not have known Epstein, a convicted sex offender, was "reprehensible" during their interactions. The college's board of trustees hired the law firm WilmerHale in February to independently investigate communications between Botstein and Epstein. WilmerHale stated its review is "ongoing," contradicting Botstein's prediction of imminent clearance. This situation concerns the reputation of Bard College and its president amidst scrutiny over past associations with Epstein.

What's Being Done

The college's board of trustees hired the law firm WilmerHale to independently investigate communications between Botstein and Epstein.

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