The Hallowed Halls Of Academia And The Epstein Reckoning That's On The Way (2/14/26)

The newest tranche of documents from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Epstein Files shows that Jeffrey Epstein’s reach into academia was wider than previously understood, revealing communications and interactions between the disgraced financier and faculty, administrators, and fundraisers at major universities. Emails and records include discussions about potential donations, academic projects, and introductions to other scholars, with figures at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Bard College appearing in the files. At Harvard, for example, correspondence shows some faculty and leaders engaging with Epstein even after his 2008 conviction, while at Yale, two professors were named — one of whom has been removed from teaching while the university reviews his contact with Epstein. The documents illustrate how Epstein positioned himself as a potential benefactor to researchers and institutions, often offering a quicker route to funding than federal grants and prompting criticism about ethical compromises made in pursuit of private money.


At Bard College, longtime president Leon Botstein’s name appears extensively in the files, with emails showing repeated contact with Epstein over several years regarding fundraising and events; these revelations have sparked student dismay and scrutiny of how the college handled the relationship. Other universities and scholars mentioned in the broader Epstein Files — including faculty ties at Ohio State University indirectly through connections like donors or trustees — reflect the broader trend of elite academic figures maintaining some form of correspondence with Epstein, sometimes long after his criminal conduct was public. Collectively, the disclosures raise questions about the influence of wealthy private donors on higher education and the oversight universities exercised when engaging with Epstein and his network.



to contact me:


[e-mail]



source:

Colleges face scrutiny over Epstein connections