During a recent graduation ceremony for high schools affiliated with Bard College, the outgoing president, Leon Botstein, encountered a hostile reception from students. This event occurred at the United Palace in Upper Manhattan, with students from Bard College’s high schools in New York and Newark in attendance.
The dissatisfaction stemmed from revelations about Botstein’s connections to Jeffrey Epstein, which were more extensive than initially thought. Despite these revelations and his recent retirement announcement last month, students booed and heckled him throughout his speech.
‘To get anything done, you’re going to have to dance with the devil,’ Botstein stated, amidst loud reactions from the audience.
These words sparked uproar among the students, prompting Botstein to pause and address their vigorous disapproval. He advised, ‘Don’t judge too quickly things in life.’
Botstein did not make any direct reference to Epstein during his speech. According to Jennifer Strodl, a spokesperson for Bard College, his remarks were not about Epstein. Botstein had past exchanges and meetings with Epstein between 2012 and 2017, even after Epstein’s conviction for prostitution involving a minor and despite warnings from senior faculty to avoid contact with him.
A statement from Bard College emphasized Botstein’s intent behind his speech. It explained that Botstein was advocating the importance of dialogue and debate, especially with those holding opposing views, to prevent societal division.
Some students interpreted his guidance as a defense of his relationship with Epstein, which led to the intense reaction during his speech.
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