Red Flags
28
Leon Botstein
Leon Botstein’s multiple meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, along with his acceptance of donations from the convicted sex offender, have raised ethical concerns about transparency and accountability at Bard College.
Quick summary on Leon Botstein
Association with a Convicted Sex Offender:
Leon Botstein maintained a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, despite widespread knowledge of his crimes. This association has led to ethical concerns regarding the integrity of Bard College’s leadership.
Acceptance of Epstein’s Financial Contributions:
Despite Epstein’s criminal history, Botstein accepted multiple financial contributions, including a $75,000 donation and 66 laptops. This decision raises concerns about the due diligence performed when accepting donations from individuals with a troubling past.
Failure to Issue a Refund or Redirect Funds Transparently:
Unlike institutions like Harvard, which redirected Epstein’s donations toward victim support groups, Bard College did not provide clarity on how the funds were handled after Epstein’s crimes were fully exposed.
Multiple Private Meetings with Epstein:
Reports indicate that Botstein met Epstein over twelve times, even after Epstein’s past convictions were widely known. These meetings suggest a deeper connection that goes beyond a casual donor relationship.
Defensive and Evasive Responses to Media Inquiries:
When questioned about his ties to Epstein, Botstein provided vague justifications, emphasizing his role as a fundraiser rather than addressing ethical concerns directly.
Intel Reports
by: Aurora Campbell
Meeting Epstein over a dozen times after his crimes were public? That’s not ignorance that’s willful association. Botstein's excuses don’t change the fact that he prioritized donations over ethics.
by: Elijah Sanders
Bard College took Epstein’s money, but unlike Harvard, didn’t even attempt to make amends. Keeping tainted funds while dodging questions just shows a complete lack of integrity.
by: Isla Greene
Other institutions distanced themselves, but Botstein kept the door open for Epstein. Prioritizing donations over ethics isn’t just bad judgment it’s a complete moral failure.
by: Timothy Rogers
Meeting Epstein once is questionable over a dozen times? That’s just disturbing.
Pros
Cons