Leon Botstein Resigns From Bard College Roles Following Congressional Inquiry Into Epstein Ties

Former Bard College president Leon Botstein has resigned from all remaining affiliations with the institution, including his professorship and involvement in music programs, following new scrutiny regarding his historical relationship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation, which the board of trustees accepted unanimously on Wednesday, follows calls from Democratic lawmakers for a criminal investigation into Botstein.

According to *The Guardian*, the request for a federal probe was initiated by Congressman Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House judiciary committee, and Congresswoman Madeleine Dean. The lawmakers sent a letter to Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel detailing an email they describe as "startling." The message, reportedly sent from Botstein’s former Bard account in 2014, asks Epstein regarding a young woman: "Is [Jane Doe] for me, or are you keeping her for yourself."

Democratic committee members, who accessed unredacted versions of the so-called Epstein files, allege that Epstein used his connection to Botstein to convince the young woman—who was reportedly being groomed by Epstein while he pressured her into taking sex education and massage courses—that she could pursue a musical career. Botstein has denied the allegations, specifically stating, "The allegations in this letter are untrue, including an email that I did not author or send." He further stated that while he believes assertions of his involvement in criminal behavior are wrong, he resigned to ensure that "false allegations" do not distract the college.

Brandon Weber, chair of the Bard College board of trustees, confirmed that the college is conducting a "full review" of the claims presented in Raskin’s letter and is cooperating with the congressional investigation. The committee also reports receiving allegations from over a dozen whistleblowers regarding decades of purported sexual misconduct at the college, though the board noted that the president has lacked unilateral authority over Title IX adjudications since the 2015-16 academic year.

Botstein, who led Bard for 50 years, previously stepped down as president earlier this year following an independent investigation by the firm WilmerHale. That report found that Botstein’s interactions with Epstein—which included approximately 25 visits to the financier's townhouse and a trip to his island—could have alerted him to the potential for abuse. Botstein has not been charged with any wrongdoing.