Bard College opened a review into President Leon Botstein’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein after new Justice Department documents showed closer contact than previously disclosed. The inquiry follows a wave of institutional audits and leadership reviews at universities named in the Epstein files. Reporting shows Epstein cultivated access across higher education while often failing to deliver promised funding. Campus leaders and development offices now face heightened scrutiny over past fundraising relationships, donor vetting, and governance controls. Trustees and presidents should expect more audits of gift agreements, speaker vetting, and disclosure practices as institutions try to shield reputations and comply with donor‑related governance expectations.