Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers unexpectedly announced a leave of absence from teaching duties at Harvard University on Wednesday, following the release of emails that showcase a continued friendship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, Summers' spokesperson indicated that the decision was made to avoid distractions while Harvard assesses the ramifications of the emails.
While Summers had previously stated his intention to continue teaching classes, the pressure intensified as students and faculty expressed concern over his association with Epstein, who had a notorious history of sexual misconduct. Reports from The Harvard Crimson highlighted the abruptness of Summers' decision to step back from his teaching and administrative roles, including Director of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government.
“Mr. Summers has decided it’s in the best interest of the Center for him to go on leave from his role as Director as Harvard undertakes its review,” said spokesperson Steven Goldberg. His teaching responsibilities will be temporarily handled by co-educators for the remaining class sessions this semester.
The emails in question revealed that Summers sought advice from Epstein regarding personal matters, as well as his wife’s communication with Epstein on financial support for her poetry project. Notably, Summers was recorded by students expressing his regret over his interactions with Epstein, describing them as a significant error in judgment.
As institutions sever their ties with Summers, including the Center for American Progress and the Center for Global Development, the academic landscape watches closely as Harvard revisits its relationships with figures linked to Epstein.
