Controversy at Bard College Graduation

During a graduation ceremony for Bard College-affiliated high schools in New York and New Jersey, students frequently booed Leon Botstein, the outgoing president of the college. His retirement was announced last month following revelations about his previously undisclosed relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

As Botstein addressed the graduates, offering advice on handling complex individuals, his words were met with dissent. “To get anything done, you’re going to have to dance with the devil,” he stated. The reaction from students was so intense inside the United Palace in Upper Manhattan that Botstein had to pause and shake his head. He added, “The fifth piece of advice I would give is appropriate to your response: Don’t judge too quickly things in life.”

Although Botstein did not directly mention Epstein, Bard College spokeswoman Jennifer Strodl clarified that Botstein was not referring to him. The statement came amid reports that Botstein maintained contact with Epstein from 2012 to 2017, receiving warnings from faculty to distance himself following Epstein’s conviction for solicitation of a minor for prostitution.

Bard College issued a statement explaining that Botstein’s remarks were intended to highlight the importance of dialogue, disagreement, and debate. “Functional societies anywhere depend on speaking with those with whom we have differences, not giving in to Balkanization,” the statement read.

However, several students interpreted his comments as a reference to Epstein, contributing to the negative reception during his speech.