To the Bard Community and Board of Trustees,

Over the past few days, what many of us have suspected has been virtually confirmed through the release of documents by the Department of Justice: our president, Leon Botstein, fostered a long-term relationship with convicted child sex trafficker, Jeffery Epstein. We believe this connection extended far beyond what Botstein has acknowledged. But the problem is not with one man alone: the problem is systemic; an institutional failure that impacts every facet of our community.

Recent news has only confirmed what those at Bard have known for decades: sexual misconduct is the norm, not the exception. Student voices — our voices — have been stifled as the administration continues to control the narrative. Are we supposed to believe the men’s lacrosse team got disbanded due to a lack of interest? And that there are no other abusers in power on campus? What about those who have been “investigated” and given tenure? Will we ever get answers about those being “investigated” right now? And what about those who are still uninvestigated, yet their abuses are open secrets?

We must challenge why we as students are subjected to this ongoing institutional failure. We are tired of the College “considering” sexual misconduct with consistently inadequate action. Generations of students have been told Bard is a place to think and we, the current students, have thoughts.

We demand Botstein’s immediate resignation.

Botstein’s relationship with Epstein is not just an embarrassing moment in the College’s history, it is a symptom of the culture of sexual misconduct plaguing this institution. The Bard community deserves transparency, agency, and safety.

As a community, Bard is horrified by the president’s association with Epstein’s heinous crimes. We demand accountability from our institution in solidarity with survivors.

Our community’s many concerns about the future of the College are valid. With a new administration we have an opportunity to finally make our voices heard. Time and time again the College has used student vulnerability as a shield to deflect calls for change. We need to face the extent of corruption and neglect by our administration. This culture of fear and intimidation around sexual misconduct has seeped through Bard throughout the administration of Botstein. Epstein is just the most public example. The longevity of Bard is at risk with Botstein still in charge.

We demand a place for the student and faculty voices in all structures of the College.

We demand a say in who will lead our community.

We demand change.

With Urgency,

Concerned Students of Bard College