Epstein's donations to universities reveal a painful truth about philanthropy

[Eugene]

Source: Washington Post

Epstein’s donations to universities reveal a painful truth about philanthropy

By Susan SvrlugaSeptember 5 at 7:00 AM

Jeffrey Epstein forged deep ties with some of the nation’s elite universities and their scholars, showering them with millions of dollars in donations. As the extent of those gifts comes into sharper focus, academics confront a painful realization: The financier’s donations supported important research and helped scientists work toward discoveries, but they also provided a veneer of credibility to a convicted sex offender.

The ensuing fallout — prompting resignations and continued soul-searching and outrage — illuminates enduring questions for academia about the money that fuels research, and how institutions nurture relationships with donors in the race to excel.

Epstein gave repeatedly to MIT and Harvard University. At MIT, the president, L. Rafael Reif, apologized to Epstein’s victims in a message to campus. The school accepted about $800,000 of Epstein’s money over 20 years, Reif wrote, with gifts to the MIT Media Lab and to a mechanical engineering professor.

“With hindsight,” Reif wrote, “we recognize with shame and distress that we allowed MIT to contribute to the elevation of his reputation, which in turn served to distract from his horrifying acts. No apology can undo that.” He announced the school would give to a charity benefiting Epstein’s victims or other sexual abuse victims an amount equivalent to Epstein’s donations to the school. He also pledged that the school will examine the gifts to determine if internal controls can be bolstered to prevent similar issues.

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Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/epsteins-donations-to-universities-reveal-a-painful-truth-about-philanthropy/2019/09/04/e600adae-c86d-11e9-a4f3-c081a126de70_story.html

[jberryhill]

1. I don't see the problem

If someone wants to give money to a university, so what?

It's money. The money didn't do anything bad.

[monmouth4]

2. I agree, one has nothing to do with the other. n/t

[jberryhill]

3. American U got a boatload of money from Adnan Khashoggi

If Universities and charities are going to have to refuse donations from "bad people", that's a can of worms.

I don't see why MIT or anyone else needs to make amends for accepting money that was lawfully given to them.

[monmouth4]

4. Me neither, all for a good cause. n/t

[Karadeniz]

5. Sacklers