Harvard University and Bard College are facing renewed questions from lawmakers regarding their associations with Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted child sex trafficker. Representative Jamie Raskin, the leading Democrat on the House judiciary committee, has accused both institutions of conducting incomplete investigations into Epstein's connections and is demanding a more thorough accounting.
Raskin's Demands
In a statement, Raskin noted that prior attempts by Harvard and Bard to investigate their roles in facilitating Epstein's abuse either failed or fell short. He has requested that Bard make Leon Botstein, its outgoing president, available for a transcribed interview. Botstein, who led the college for over 50 years, is expected to retain a role at Bard. Raskin also seeks records on Epstein's donations, communications, admissions, and interactions, as well as the full results of an internal review.
For Harvard, Raskin is demanding extensive records, including financial documents and communications related to Epstein's research funding and personal relationships with faculty. He criticized Harvard's 2008 and 2019 investigations as incomplete or misleading, noting that they failed to uncover donations Epstein made after a 2008 ban and the full extent of his ties to former President Larry Summers.
Summers' Resignation
Harvard announced in February that Summers would resign from teaching at the end of the academic year, following the release of Epstein files showing frequent communications on topics including politics and women. Summers, who served as Harvard's president from 2001 to 2006, has expressed shame over his actions and apologized for continuing to communicate with Epstein. Epstein donated over $9 million to Harvard during Summers' tenure.
Bard Investigation
In a letter to Bard's chair, James Cox Chambers, Raskin highlighted how Epstein exploited ties in higher education. He noted that Botstein's resignation followed a Bard-commissioned investigation that found "substantial lapses in leadership and candor." Raskin stated that evidence suggests Epstein's relationship with Botstein helped him maintain illegal activities, including potential trafficking in New York and Russia.
An internal investigation by WilmerHale law firm concluded that Botstein's actions were not illegal but that he was "not fully accurate" in describing his relationship with Epstein and failed to disclose fees from a consulting agreement with an Epstein entity. Botstein has denied being friends with Epstein and witnessing any inappropriate behavior.
Responses and Deadlines
A Bard College spokesperson confirmed receipt of the letter and said it is under review. Harvard did not immediately respond. Raskin has set a deadline of July 1 for both universities to provide the requested information.
