Harvard investigates students who posted videos of Larry Summers addressing Epstein ties: report

The students posted videos last month showing Summers addressing students in a Harvard lecture hall and responding to questions about his past connections to Epstein. According to a report by the New York Times, the investigation is examining whether the students violated multiple university policies, including attending a class they were not enrolled in, recording classroom proceedings without authorization, and publicly sharing those recordings.

The inquiry could result in disciplinary action ranging from a private reprimand to a requirement that the students withdraw from the university entirely, the Times reported. The investigation was launched after Harvard received complaints from at least one faculty member following the circulation of the videos, some of which included both a teacher and students.

One person briefed on the investigation told the Times that the complaints initially alleged violations of Harvard’s anti-bullying policy, which prohibits aggressive conduct that creates a hostile environment. That portion of the complaint was later dropped, and the investigation is now focused solely on whether university rules regarding classroom attendance and unauthorized recording were violated.

Summers has been among the prominent figures whose past ties to Epstein have come under renewed scrutiny. Last month, congressional investigators released emails showing communication between Summers and Epstein. Following those disclosures, the two students attended Summers’ class, despite allegedly not being enrolled.

The students were identified as women who have been active in feminist causes on campus and are supposed to graduate in the spring.

In one of the videos posted online, Summers addressed the class and referenced a public statement he had issued expressing regret. He initially said he would step back from public activities for a period of time, while emphasizing his commitment to teaching.

“I think it’s very important to fulfill my teaching obligations,” Summers said. “And so, with your permission, I’m going to, we’re going to, go forward and talk about the material in the class.”

Summers did not finish teaching his courses, however, as he went on leave.

In a written statement to the Times, Harvard declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation but said, “The College prohibits unauthorized recording of classroom proceedings to protect classrooms as spaces for intellectual exploration and risk-taking, to respect student privacy, and to prevent chilling effects that undermine participation and inquiry.”