Bard College’s board of trustees voted to end the 51-year tenure of President Leon Botstein last month, following the results of an independent review into his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to emails obtained by the Guardian. Botstein publicly announced his retirement on May 1, framing it as a long-planned decision, but internal communications reveal a contentious board vote that has created a rift among trustees.
Board Vote and Resignations
The vote took place on or around April 30, during the same meeting where the law firm WilmerHale presented its findings. One newly appointed trustee, Lucas Pipes, criticized the process, calling it “compromised” because WilmerHale consultants remained in the room during deliberations. Another trustee, Asher Edelman, warned that the decision meant “the end of our college as we know it today” and accused colleagues of acting disrespectfully. Bard confirmed this week that longtime board chair James Chambers, along with trustees Mark Brossman and Mostafiz ShahMohammed, have resigned, though the circumstances of their departures remain unclear.
Independent Review Findings
The WilmerHale review, released publicly on May 1, concluded that Botstein’s actions were not illegal but found he was “not fully accurate” in describing his relationship with Epstein. Botstein failed to disclose consulting fees from an Epstein entity and did not fully recognize the reputational risk to Bard. The report also noted that Botstein accepted donations from Epstein after the financier’s 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor.
Botstein previously denied being friends with Epstein and claimed he had no knowledge of Epstein’s crimes. In a statement, the board thanked Botstein for his service but acknowledged that concerns about his interactions with Epstein were “serious and deeply felt.”
Faculty and Alumni Concerns
Longtime professor Bruce Chilton expressed worry that recent board changes could allow Botstein to potentially extend his tenure, as decisions “could be unmade.” Separately, a Bard alumnus has called on the New York attorney general’s charities office to investigate the board, alleging it prioritized Botstein’s reputation over the institution’s interests. The attorney general’s office confirmed receipt of the letter and is reviewing it.
Bard’s board spokesperson stated that the board is “united in its commitment to Bard’s mission” and that the college enters this transition from a position of strength. The college declined to comment on the vote or the alum’s letter, reiterating its focus on the future.
