Leon Botstein resigns from Bard roles as key Democrat demands investigation into Epstein links

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Published: 2026-10-07T23:25:34.295Z • Permanent link

Leon Botstein, the former president of Bard College, has resigned from his roles following a call for a criminal investigation into his alleged connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Democratic lawmaker, Jamie Raskin, made the demand in a statement, citing an email that Botstein had sent to a young woman, which raised questions about his intentions. The email, which was reportedly sent in 2009, asked whether the woman was "for me, or are you keeping her for yourself." Raskin's office released the email, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for further investigation.

Botstein's resignation comes amid a growing scandal surrounding his ties to Epstein, who was accused of exploiting and abusing dozens of young women. Bard College, which is located in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of the situation. The college's board of trustees had previously defended Botstein, saying that he had been unaware of Epstein's true nature. However, documents obtained by the media have revealed that Botstein had been aware of Epstein's activities and had even socialized with him on several occasions.

The scandal has also raised questions about the college's leadership and governance. Bard College's president, Lee Bollinger, had previously been accused of being too close to Epstein, and his decision to appoint Botstein to the college's board has been widely criticized. The college's trustees have since launched an investigation into the matter, which is expected to reveal more information about Botstein's involvement with Epstein.

The resignation of Leon Botstein and the calls for a criminal investigation into his alleged connections to Jeffrey Epstein have significant implications for the Global Infrastructure domain. Bard College, which is a major research institution, has been at the center of a growing debate about the role of higher education in society. The college's handling of the Epstein scandal has raised questions about its leadership and governance, and the impact on its research and academic programs.

The scandal has also had a broader impact on the research community, with many experts calling for greater transparency and accountability in institutions that have ties to convicted sex offenders. The case has also raised questions about the role of philanthropy in higher education, with many institutions relying on donations from wealthy individuals who have been accused of wrongdoing. The scandal has sparked a wider conversation about the need for greater accountability and transparency in institutions that receive funding from wealthy donors.

The impact of the scandal will be felt in the markets as well, with many investors and analysts expressing concerns about the potential risks to institutions that have ties to convicted sex offenders. The scandal has also raised questions about the potential impact on research and academic programs, with many experts warning that the college's reputation could be damaged by the scandal.