Columbia University Takes Action Following Epstein Files Release

Columbia University has dismissed members of its executive committee after new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein revealed that the institution admitted the girlfriend of a convicted child sex trafficker using “fraudulent admissions,” as stated by school officials.

The university has also “taken action” against two officials from its School of Dentistry after a comprehensive file containing over three million Epstein-related documents was made public. These documents suggested that officials were involved with disgraced investors and solicited donations.

Karina Shulyak, Epstein’s last girlfriend, was initially denied admission to the School of Dentistry in February 2012. However, shortly after her rejection, she was admitted as a transfer student, just weeks after documents indicated Epstein was discussing marriage with her.

On May 3, 2012, an email confirmed Shulyak’s admission for the upcoming fall semester. Related emails revealed that Ira Lamster, the then-dean of the School of Dentistry, assured that her visa would not be a concern due to her “special status.”

Shulyak graduated from the program in 2015 and was noted to have completed four years of dental school. It’s interesting to note she had immigrated from Belarus to the U.S. in 2010 without initially graduating from her previous studies.

While Lamster faced no disciplinary action, he did inform that Epstein was considering a substantial donation of between $5 million and $10 million to the university, introduced through a notable alumnus connection. Lamster remarked that they had been pursuing Epstein’s potential gift, suggesting some pressure to accommodate Shulyak’s application.

In his communications, Lamster indicated that Shulyak should be evaluated based solely on her application merits. He later stated that the university ultimately declined Epstein’s proposed donation after further vetting.

Epstein also inquired about Shulyak’s admission status with the university shortly before promising to contribute $100,000 to the School of Public Health.

In a following statement, Columbia acknowledged receiving donations from entities associated with Epstein, totaling $210,000. The university mentioned it had become aware of past communications involving Epstein and the School of Dentistry, most of which relate to individuals who are no longer affiliated with the institution.

Columbia emphasized that admissions at the School of Dentistry occurred under irregular circumstances while fundraising was being conducted by alumni. The school also clarified that current leadership was acting independently, not as representatives of the broader university administration.

It’s crucial to point out that even though Shulyak enrolled in and completed her studies, there has been no identified liability for any wrongdoings related to these admissions.

In light of these findings, Dr. Thomas Magnani has been removed from any association with the university, and Dr. Lettie Moss-Salentin will resign from her administrative role. Moreover, Columbia plans to donate $105,000 each to two nonprofits, aiming to support survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking, essentially returning Epstein’s donations.