New York, November 21, 2025
Lawrence Summers, former Harvard University president and U.S. Treasury Secretary, has suspended his teaching duties amid an investigation into his communications with Jeffrey Epstein, prompting multiple resignations from prestigious roles and formal scrutiny by Harvard.
Stepping Back from Teaching and Leadership Roles
Summers initially expressed deep shame over his sustained communication with Epstein, stating he would maintain his teaching responsibilities while stepping back from public commitments. However, following Harvard’s announcement of a formal review, he reversed his decision and ceased teaching immediately. His co-instructors are now handling the remainder of his classes this semester, and Summers is not scheduled to teach next term.
In addition to his teaching hiatus, Summers has taken leave from his directorship at Harvard’s Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government. He resigned from key advisory and board positions, including the OpenAI board, Center for American Progress, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Yale Budget Lab, Bloomberg News, The New York Times, and the Brookings Institution’s Hamilton Project.
Initial Response and Course Reversal
Summers issued a public statement acknowledging responsibility and expressing shame regarding his ongoing relationship with Epstein. Despite the gravity of the situation, he initially intended to continue his academic role. This stance shifted rapidly after Harvard initiated a comprehensive inquiry, leading to his immediate withdrawal from teaching activities.
Epstein Connection Details
Investigations revealed that Summers confided in Epstein regarding his romantic pursuit of a woman he identified as a mentee, with Epstein offering advice on interactions over a seven-month period. Their association spanned several years, including Summers’ Harvard presidency from 2001 to 2006. The nature of their communications has raised ethical concerns in academic and public circles.
Institutional and Public Reactions
Harvard has announced a robust review process to evaluate appropriate actions. Prominent voices, notably Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren, have publicly urged Harvard to sever all affiliations with Summers, emphasizing accountability and institutional integrity.
Impact on Ongoing Courses
With Summers stepping away mid-semester, his colleagues have taken responsibility for completing his remaining courses. His absence extends to upcoming academic sessions, marking a significant disruption in Harvard’s faculty landscape.
This unfolding investigation situates Summers at the center of renewed scrutiny over the relationships between academia, governance, and controversial figures. As Harvard conducts its inquiry, the broader implications for institutional credibility and leadership accountability continue to resonate across educational and professional communities.