New disclosures tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files prompted multiple universities to review past donor relationships and faculty connections, with some institutions placing employees on leave and canceling events. Education reporting shows Yale, Columbia, UCLA and Bard among the campuses now reassessing fundraising practices and historical engagement with Epstein; Bard College opened a formal review into President Leon Botstein’s ties after Justice Department emails surfaced. Higher‑education research leaders and ethics officials said the developments are driving sharper due diligence demands on philanthropy teams. Experts interviewed for Education Week recommended clearer vetting protocols, stricter gift‑acceptance policies and improved transparency when donors have criminal histories or unresolved reputational risk. Campus leaders warned boards to revisit governance around outside funding: trustees must balance revenue needs against reputational and legal exposure. Institutions are also examining how one‑off or informal commitments from wealthy donors were recorded and overseen, signaling likely policy changes for future major gifts and convenings.