Major institutions across the United States are grappling with the fallout from newly released Epstein-related documents, which detail connections between the disgraced financier and university board members, professors and administrators.
At Barnard College, faculty published an open letter urging the school to investigate references to trustee and donor Francine LeFrak in the files. The letter, signed by more than 70 faculty members, called the association “repugnant” and urged the removal of LeFrak’s name from the Francine A. LeFrak Center for Well-Being. Barnard said it has retained independent counsel to review the matter and stated it never accepted money from Epstein.
At Columbia University, two dental school affiliates were disciplined after documents showed they assisted Epstein’s associate with gaining admission. The university also pledged to donate $210,000 — matching prior Epstein-linked donations — to organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse and trafficking.
Faculty Investigations and Student Backlash
On the West Coast, University of California, Los Angeles has faced criticism over emails between adjunct professor Dr. Mark Tramo and Epstein spanning more than a decade. A petition calling for Tramo’s dismissal has drawn more than 10,000 signatures, though the university has not publicly commented.
At Bard College, students have called for President Leon Botstein to resign after documents revealed a long-term relationship between him and Epstein. Botstein said his interactions were limited to fundraising efforts and denied any personal friendship. The college’s board of trustees has retained an external law firm to conduct an independent review of communications and financial ties.
Wider Academic and Global Consequences
At Harvard University, former president Larry Summers stepped down from teaching while the university expanded its review of donor ties. A prior internal report found Epstein donated $9.1 million to Harvard between 1998 and 2008. Yale University barred professor David Gelernter from teaching amid a review of his communications, while Ohio State University opened an investigation into a faculty member linked to payments from Epstein.
The repercussions extend beyond academia. In the United Kingdom, the revelations contributed to the dismissal of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States and the arrest of Prince Andrew on suspicion of misconduct in public office. In the corporate sphere, figures including Thomas Pritzker of Hyatt and attorney Kathryn Ruemmler have stepped down from prominent roles following scrutiny of their connections.
The latest document release has triggered investigations, resignations and public reckonings across universities and industries, with additional reviews and disclosures expected in the weeks ahead.
