UPDATE: Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has resigned from his position at Harvard University effective immediately amid a growing investigation into his ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This announcement comes just hours after Harvard confirmed it is reviewing information related to newly released Epstein documents.
Summers, who has faced mounting pressure from students and lawmakers, including Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, will not conduct any further lectures this semester and will not teach in the spring. A spokesperson stated that his co-teachers will complete the remaining classes for the course he has been teaching.
Harvard’s investigation follows revelations of Summers’ extensive correspondence with Epstein from 2013 to 2019, where the disgraced financier provided him advice on personal matters, including romantic relationships. In a statement, Summers admitted to “great regrets” and expressed his decision to step back from public commitments as part of his effort to rebuild trust.
“I take full responsibility for my misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein,” Summers stated. “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused.”
In addition to resigning from Harvard, Summers has severed ties with several organizations, including the Center for American Progress and the Center for Global Development. He also stepped down from his role on the board of OpenAI, with the company acknowledging his contributions.
Pressure has intensified on Summers following the release of emails, which revealed not only a personal relationship with Epstein but also discussions about his love life, even during the time Epstein was a convicted sex offender. Senator Warren has publicly stated that she believes Summers “cannot be trusted” to engage with young students, citing his “monumentally bad judgment” in his dealings with Epstein.
While Harvard has stated that Epstein donated over $9 million to the university prior to his death in 2019, the institution is now reviewing its policies on accepting donations from controversial figures. This scandal has raised significant concerns regarding the ethics of faculty associations and the impact on student safety.
As Harvard continues its investigation, students have expressed outrage, calling for further accountability from university officials. The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for other faculty members as well.
What happens next? The university is expected to release further information as its review progresses. Community members and stakeholders are watching closely, as the repercussions of this scandal unfold.
