Bard College president Leon Botstein announced retirement after an independent review found he minimized aspects of his relationship and communications tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Trustees used the WilmerHale law firm to investigate communications between Epstein and Botstein. The review concluded Botstein did not do anything illegal, but that decisions in the course of the relationship reflected on his leadership. The findings included discrepancies between Botstein’s public statements and descriptions provided to the Bard community. Botstein’s departure follows extended scrutiny after U.S. Justice Department-released material showed repeated interactions and fundraising discussions. Bard says Botstein waited to announce retirement until the review concluded. For higher education governance, the case underscores how reputational risk and compliance review processes can drive leadership turnover even when legal findings do not establish criminal wrongdoing.