Leon Botstein, the longtime president of Bard College, has announced his retirement after facing increased scrutiny over his past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The announcement was made public on May 1, 2026, amid growing pressure from faculty, students, and alumni.
Botstein's Legacy and Controversy
Botstein, who has served as president of the liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, since 1975, is known for transforming Bard into a prestigious institution. However, his association with Epstein, who was convicted on federal sex trafficking charges, has cast a shadow over his tenure. Documents revealed that Botstein and Epstein had a professional and personal relationship, including donations and collaborations on educational initiatives.
Reactions from the Community
Faculty members expressed mixed emotions. "President Botstein's contributions to Bard are undeniable, but his judgment regarding Epstein raises serious questions," said Professor Jane Mitchell. Students held protests demanding transparency, while some alumni defended Botstein's legacy. The board of trustees released a statement thanking Botstein for his service and announcing a search for his successor.
Details of the Retirement
Botstein will step down at the end of the 2026-2027 academic year. In his resignation letter, he cited a desire to "pass the torch to new leadership" but did not address the Epstein controversy directly. He plans to remain at Bard as a professor of music and history.
The Epstein scandal has rocked several academic institutions, with MIT and Harvard also facing scrutiny over donations from the financier. Bard College has since severed ties with the Epstein foundation and launched an internal review.
Botstein's retirement marks the end of an era for Bard, which has grown from a small college to a globally recognized institution under his leadership. The next president will face the challenge of restoring trust while building on Botstein's achievements.
