Leon Botstein Remains at Bard College Amid Scrutiny Over Epstein Ties

Leon Botstein has resigned from all positions at Bard College, including his professorship and musical roles, following calls for a criminal investigation by House Democrats. The controversy stems from newly uncovered unredacted emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files, specifically a 2014 message allegedly sent from Botstein's college email account asking if a young woman was 'for me, or are you keeping her for yourself.' Botstein denies authoring the email and maintains he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities, stating his resignation is intended to protect the institution from distraction. Bard's board of trustees has accepted the resignation and is cooperating with the congressional inquiry led by Representative Jamie Raskin.

Leon Botstein has resigned from all positions at Bard College, including his professorship and musical roles, following calls for a criminal investigation by House Democrats. The controversy stems from newly uncovered unredacted emails from the Jeffrey Epstein files, specifically a 2014 message allegedly sent from Botstein's college email account asking if a young woman was 'for me, or are you keeping her for yourself.' Botstein denies authoring the email and maintains he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities, stating his resignation is intended to protect the institution from distraction. Bard's board of trustees has accepted the resignation and is cooperating with the congressional inquiry led by Representative Jamie Raskin.