Bard College President Receives Backlash at Graduation Ceremony

At a recent graduation ceremony for high schools associated with Bard College, outgoing president Leon Botstein addressed graduates with the statement, “To get anything done, you’re going to have to dance with the devil.” The ceremony took place earlier this week at the United Palace in Upper Manhattan and involved high schools in New York City and Newark.

As Mr. Botstein provided advice to the students, the response was overwhelmingly negative. Students booed and heckled, particularly as he discussed navigating relationships with difficult and dishonest individuals. The noise from the students was so intense that Mr. Botstein paused and remarked, “The fifth piece of advice I would give is appropriate to your response: Don’t judge too quickly things in life.”

Mr. Botstein’s remarks came in the context of recent revelations about his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, which were closer than previously disclosed. From 2012 to 2017, Mr. Botstein maintained communication with Mr. Epstein, even after being cautioned by senior faculty and following Epstein’s conviction for solicitation of a minor.

In response to the criticism, Bard College issued a statement clarifying that Mr. Botstein’s remarks were not about Mr. Epstein. The statement emphasized the importance of dialogue and engagement with those who hold differing views, instead of succumbing to division. “President Botstein was making the point that functional societies anywhere depend on speaking with those with whom we have differences, not giving in to Balkanization, and maintaining a commitment to dialogue, disagreement and debate always,” it read.

Some students believed Mr. Botstein’s comments were a veiled reference to Epstein, inciting boos due to the controversy surrounding their association.