Epstein Files Cast Pall Over US Academic Institutions
The latest release of documents related to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein has sent shockwaves through major US universities, exposing deep-seated connections with board members, professors, and administrators. Institutions are now grappling with the fallout, leading to faculty reviews, research center closures, and canceled conferences. Students and staff have responded with petitions, open letters, and campus forums, expressing widespread disappointment and outrage.
Barnard College Faces Scrutiny Over Donor Ties
At Barnard College, a private women's liberal arts college affiliated with Columbia University, more than 70 faculty members signed an open letter demanding an investigation into correspondence between Epstein and Francine LeFrak, a prominent donor and board trustee. LeFrak appears 15 times in the Epstein files, including invitations to holidays and a trip to Rwanda. The letter calls her connection "repugnant," especially post-Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor, and urges removal of her name from the Francine A LeFrak Center for Well-Being.
A Barnard professor, who requested anonymity, stated, "I just feel a real, deep disappointment, because I think, as a women's college, our mission is directly antithetical to every revelation of those files." Barnard has retained independent counsel for review, emphasizing it never accepted Epstein's money.
Columbia University Takes Disciplinary Action
Columbia University disciplined two individuals from its dental college for assisting Epstein's girlfriend with admissions. Dr Letty Moss-Salentijn lost her vice-dean title, and Dr Thomas Magnani was removed from admissions roles. The university also pledged a $210,000 donation to nonprofits supporting sexual abuse survivors, matching funds received from Epstein.
UCLA Community Reels from Professor's Emails
At UCLA, email correspondence between adjunct neurology professor Dr Mark Tramo and Epstein over 12 years has sparked outrage. Tramo forwarded messages from female students to Epstein, who replied with inappropriate comments. A petition to fire Tramo has garnered over 10,000 signatures, though he remains teaching. UCLA declined to comment.
Bard College Grapples with Presidential Ties
Bard College faces internal conflict after revelations of a long-term relationship between President Leon Botstein and Epstein. Students penned an open letter calling for his resignation, while others defended his fundraising efforts. The board has hired an external law firm to investigate, noting Botstein's interactions were solely for donations.
Wider Academic Fallout Across the US
Harvard University is investigating former president Larry Summers' ties to Epstein, who donated $9.1 million to the school. Yale University barred professor David Gelernter from teaching during a review. Other institutions like Ohio State and Union College are also probing connections, with trustees resigning over email revelations.
Broader Implications Beyond Academia
The Epstein files have impacted industries globally, including politics and business. In the UK, Peter Mandelson was dismissed as ambassador, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested. In the US, figures like Thomas Pritzker and Kathryn Ruemmler resigned over ties, highlighting the scandal's far-reaching effects.
As universities continue to reckon with these disclosures, the academic community remains divided, balancing institutional integrity against financial dependencies and longstanding relationships.
