The New York Academy of Art announced it will give away money donated by Jeffrey Epstein. This decision came after new Justice Department files revealed more about his ties to the school.
Addressing Past Ties
The academy plans to donate $65,900 linked to Epstein to a nonprofit that helps victims of human trafficking. The school had already redirected another $30,000 he had given.
In an email to students and alumni, the academy's board admitted to "serious failures in judgment and governance." These failures involved keeping connections with Epstein even after his criminal actions were known. The school also said it would review its rules for donations and working with donors.
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Start Your News DetoxEpstein had many connections to the art world. He was on the academy's board in the early 1990s and stayed involved for years. Recently released federal documents show he went to fundraising events like the Tribeca Ball and the "Take Home a Nude" auction. He was also asked to support scholarship programs.
These documents suggest some of Epstein's ties to the academy continued even after he was investigated in Florida for sexually abusing underage girls.
Leadership Changes and Future Plans
These new details have brought more attention to the academy's leadership, including board chair Eileen Guggenheim. Emails in the federal files show Guggenheim invited Epstein to events and encouraged his involvement in later years.
The academy stated that Guggenheim will step down as board chair a month earlier than planned. However, officials noted her resignation was already scheduled for this year.
The New York Academy of Art was founded in 1982 by people including Andy Warhol. Its goal is to promote figurative art. The school is also known for big fundraising events that attract collectors, artists, and socialites.
The school's connection with Epstein had been criticized before. In 2020, the academy apologized to former student Maria Farmer. She said she met Epstein through the school and later reported abuse by him and Ghislaine Maxwell.
In its recent message, the academy said it will create an ethics committee. This committee will review policies for donor relationships and philanthropy.
