Lawrence Summers Steps Back from Harvard Teaching Amid Epstein Investigation
Former Harvard University President Lawrence H. Summers has announced that he will cease teaching at Harvard while the institution investigates his ties to convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey E. Epstein. This development comes after newly released documents revealed extensive correspondence between Summers and Epstein spanning several years.
Summers, who served as Harvard’s president from 2001 to 2006, has faced intense scrutiny following publication of hundreds of emails exchanged with Epstein. The messages, revealed by House Republicans, show a close relationship, including discussions about women and Harvard-related initiatives, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes. These revelations prompted Harvard to initiate a formal probe into Summers’ connections with Epstein, as confirmed by a University spokesperson.
Summers also stepped down from his position on the OpenAI Board of Directors, marking a rapid retreat from his various public roles and affiliations, including with major media outlets like Bloomberg and The New York Times, as well as several think tanks. Summers’ public statement reflected regret: “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused. I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein.”
The fallout is significant given Summers’ high-profile career as an economist, Treasury Secretary, and academic leader. His tenure at Harvard included both accomplishments and controversies, such as public disputes and debates over diversity in STEM fields. His relationship with Epstein, a financier who donated millions to Harvard and maintained access to the university even after his conviction, adds a complex chapter to Summers’ legacy.
Students at Harvard have openly criticized Summers, with some calling for his full resignation from teaching and university positions. Senator Elizabeth Warren has publicly urged Harvard to sever all ties with Summers following the email revelations. The university is responding to community and political pressure by conducting a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, Summers has pledged to step back from public commitments to focus on “rebuilding trust and repairing relationships.”
The story of Lawrence Summers’ Epstein ties highlights broader issues around accountability and the influence of powerful donors and associates on elite academic institutions. Harvard’s probe will seek to clarify the extent and nature of Summers’ interactions with Epstein, and it may influence how the university approaches governance and ethical scrutiny going forward.
The investigation is underway as the academic year continues, with stakeholders awaiting further details and institutional responses to this unfolding controversy.