ALBAWABA - Columbia University fired two administrators after it came to light that the girlfriend of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein got into one of their classes through what the school said were "unusual procedures."
As part of a larger release by the U.S. Department of Justice, new documents linked to Epstein showed internal communications that made people question the honesty of the admissions process. This led to the action.
The university said in a statement that the emails showed exchanges that did not meet its standards for fairness and honesty in admissions decisions.
Reversal of Admission Brings Up Questions
Reports say that Karyna Shuliak, a Belarusian woman who was said to be Epstein's last known girlfriend, had her entry to Columbia's dental school turned down in early 2012.
But records show that Epstein talked about her enrollment with top university leaders a few weeks later. By May 2012, Shuliak knew for sure that she would be able to start the fall term as a transfer student.
According to the released records, Ira Lamster, who was Dean of the Dental School at the time, emailed Epstein about Shuliak's admission and told him that her "special status" meant that her visa would not be a problem.
In the end, Shuliak passed from the program in 2015. She had studied dentistry for four years in Belarus before starting at Columbia. In 2010, she moved to the United States.
Talks About Donations
The papers also show that when Shuliak was accepted, university officials were talking with Epstein about a possible gift of several million dollars.
Later, Lamster told the media that while the university was trying to get Epstein to give a lot of money, Shuliak's application would be looked at on its own merits. He also said that the gift offer was turned down after more thought.
Epstein also gave $100,000 to Columbia's School of Public Health before Shuliak started her studies. The money went to a research project connected to Lamster, according to the records.
Response from Institutions
Columbia University said it had taken action against two people with ties to the medical school, but it didn't say who they were.
The case has made people look more closely at Epstein's connections with academic institutions and how much his money may have changed how those institutions made decisions.
