Harvard announced a renewed inquiry into faculty ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Lawrence Summers has gone on leave from teaching and stepped down from the OpenAI board after release of email exchanges linking him to Epstein. Summers’ decision follows public scrutiny and the university’s move to reevaluate newly released documents that prompted students to record his last classroom appearance. Harvard confirmed it reopened a review into connections between individuals at the university and Epstein; Summers’ spokesperson said stepping aside was in the center’s best interest while the review proceeds. OpenAI acknowledged his resignation and thanked him for his service. The developments have already led to the loss of other affiliations for Summers and intensified debate among faculty, students and lawmakers about institutional relationships with controversial donors and figures. Campus leaders and boards should anticipate heightened demand for transparency about external ties, gift vetting and conflict-of-interest policies. Institutions may need to update guidance on outside affiliations for tenured faculty and senior administrators to address reputational and compliance risks.