Economist Larry Summers has announced his resignation from Harvard University amid increasing scrutiny regarding his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Harvard confirmed on February 25, 2026, that Summers will step down from his tenured position at the end of the 2025-26 academic year and will hold the honorary title of president emeritus. This decision follows an investigation launched by Harvard in November 2025, examining whether Summers and other faculty members had inappropriate interactions with Epstein.
The investigation scrutinized Summers’ connections to Epstein, particularly in light of several emails and communications that suggested a closer relationship than previously acknowledged. A Harvard spokesperson indicated that his resignation is linked to this ongoing investigation. Despite calls from students urging the university to revoke Summers’ tenure, he maintained his academic position until his retirement.
In a statement, Summers expressed his intention to focus on research and commentary on global economic issues, stating, “Free of formal responsibility, as President Emeritus and a retired professor, I look forward in time to engaging in research, analysis, and commentary.”
The relationship between Summers and Epstein has drawn attention due to its implications for the broader academic community. As a female economist and board member of the Committee on the Status of Women in the Economics Profession, I find the revelations troubling yet unsurprising. Summers’ controversial history includes disparaging remarks about women’s capabilities in mathematics, which previously led to calls for his resignation as Harvard’s president in 2006.
While the title of president emeritus carries symbolic significance, it raises concerns about the message being sent regarding accountability for misconduct. By granting this title to Summers, Harvard appears to suggest that powerful individuals can withstand serious allegations without facing substantial repercussions.
The investigation into Summers gained momentum after the House of Representatives released extensive communications between him and Epstein in November 2025. These documents included messages indicating that Summers sought Epstein’s guidance while also pursuing a personal relationship with a mentee, raising ethical questions given his marriage at the time. Notably, in 2014, Epstein designated Summers as a backup executor for his estate, showcasing their close association.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Harvard’s response has been criticized as slow and lacking decisive action. Following the investigation’s initiation, Summers took a leave from teaching but faced no immediate disciplinary measures from the university. This reluctance to act has been interpreted as prioritizing donor relationships over accountability.
In contrast, the American Economic Association (AEA) took swift action against Summers by imposing a lifetime ban on him from all its conferences and activities on December 2, 2025. This decisive response stands in stark contrast to Harvard’s more measured approach.
The fallout from the Epstein revelations extends beyond Harvard, affecting other prestigious institutions such as Duke, Yale, and Princeton, where faculty members have also been scrutinized for their connections to Epstein. As universities increasingly rely on wealthy donors, the case of Epstein illustrates how such relationships can compromise ethical standards within academia.
The ongoing investigation has shed light on a troubling trend within the field of economics, where gender bias and power dynamics often create hostile environments for women. A 2019 AEA survey revealed that nearly half of female economists reported experiencing sexual discrimination, while a significant percentage encountered inappropriate behavior from male colleagues. Additionally, the underrepresentation of women in influential academic roles exacerbates the issue.
The implications of allowing a “soft landing” for individuals like Summers highlight the need for institutions to demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing abuses of power. If universities truly aim to confront misconduct, they must ensure that prestige does not shield individuals from accountability.
As Summers transitions to emeritus status, the academic community will be watching closely to see if this case serves as a catalyst for necessary change or if it reinforces the status quo. The conversation surrounding gender bias and ethical responsibility in economics is more critical than ever, and the actions taken by institutions will shape the future of the field.
