Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has announced an unexpected leave from Harvard University amidst revelations from recently released emails that indicate his maintained relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The news, first reported by The Harvard Crimson, comes as Harvard recommences investigations into the implications of Summers' connections with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses in 2008.
While it was initially stated that he would continue his role in teaching economics, the decision for Summers to step back arrived as scrutiny increased. His spokesperson confirmed that he stepped down in the best interest of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, where he served as director. As of Wednesday evening, he will no longer fulfill his teaching commitments.
The emails discussed interactions between Summers and Epstein, as well as correspondence involving Summers' wife. In one instance, Epstein reportedly offered advice regarding Summers' romantic pursuits. Despite formally expressing regret for his past association with Epstein, Summers had previously defended his role as a teacher of 'The Political Economy of Globalization' to undergraduates.
This development is part of a broader fallout as various organizations and platforms including the Center for American Progress and several universities have ceased affiliations with him. The increasing public discontent and revelations about his past interactions, including Epstein accessing Harvard facilities post-conviction, have cast a long shadow over his academic and professional reputation.
While it was initially stated that he would continue his role in teaching economics, the decision for Summers to step back arrived as scrutiny increased. His spokesperson confirmed that he stepped down in the best interest of the Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government, where he served as director. As of Wednesday evening, he will no longer fulfill his teaching commitments.
The emails discussed interactions between Summers and Epstein, as well as correspondence involving Summers' wife. In one instance, Epstein reportedly offered advice regarding Summers' romantic pursuits. Despite formally expressing regret for his past association with Epstein, Summers had previously defended his role as a teacher of 'The Political Economy of Globalization' to undergraduates.
This development is part of a broader fallout as various organizations and platforms including the Center for American Progress and several universities have ceased affiliations with him. The increasing public discontent and revelations about his past interactions, including Epstein accessing Harvard facilities post-conviction, have cast a long shadow over his academic and professional reputation.
