Bard President Leon Botstein Resigns After Review Uncovers 25 Epstein House Visits and Satan Quote

Context Bard’s board commissioned WilmerHale, a New York law firm, to examine Botstein’s contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The review covered the period 2012‑2019, when Botstein was actively courting Epstein as a donor while the college faced a funding shortfall.

Key Facts - Botstein entered Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse roughly 25 times and spent two days on the island owned by Epstein in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Epstein visited Bard twice, bringing along women later identified as his victims. - In 2016 Botstein signed a consulting agreement with an Epstein‑linked entity, received fees, and failed to disclose the payment to the board, claiming he would funnel the money to Bard. - The report recorded Botstein’s statement, “I would take money from Satan if it permitted me to do God’s work,” reflecting his view that financial need outweighed reputational risk. - A senior faculty member had warned Botstein against engaging with Epstein, but he dismissed the concern, assuming Epstein could be rehabilitated after serving prison time. - The review noted additional invitations extended to Epstein—such as a stay at Bard’s guest cottage and attendance at student concerts—that were declined but could have exposed students to the predator.

What It Means Botstein’s resignation, effective 30 June, ends a 51‑year tenure that included expanding Bard’s global footprint. The board plans to redirect any Epstein‑related funds to survivor‑support organizations and to conduct an “orderly transition.” The episode raises broader questions about how elite institutions vet donors and disclose financial ties. Watch for Bard’s next president and any policy changes governing donor relationships.