Statement

Statement from Columbia University Regarding the College of Dental Medicine and Communications with Jeffrey Epstein

February 11, 2026
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In 2019, Columbia University became aware of past communications between Jeffrey Epstein and individuals affiliated at the time with the University’s dental school, most of whom are no longer associated with Columbia. Material recently released by the U.S. Department of Justice contains additional communications, adding to what was previously known.

In short, a student was admitted to the dental school through an irregular process, coinciding with fundraising solicitations by former academic and alumni leadership of the school. The fundraising discussions were undertaken by the then leadership of the dental school or individuals acting at their behest and not at the direction of the leadership of the medical center or the University.

To be clear: the matters discussed in these communications do not meet Columbia’s standards for integrity and independence in admissions. 

The University has taken action to remove individuals still associated with the school from their administrative and volunteer leadership roles and will make a contribution to organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking in the same amount as the donations received from Epstein-related entities. The University is committed to ensuring that the dental school’s admissions processes are fair and equitable and will undertake a review of the school’s current admissions processes for integrity and consistency with Columbia policies.

It is important to note that the student in question, who came to the dental school and graduated, has not, to the best of our knowledge, been found responsible for wrongdoing.

The following provides additional context regarding these activities and communications, relevant affiliations, and steps now being taken:

  • Current Dental School Leadership: The current Dean and current Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs were not involved in admitting the student or any solicitations from Epstein.
  • Individuals No Longer Affiliated with the School: The following individuals are no longer affiliated with the dental school or the University: Former Dean Dr. Ira Lamster (stepped down as Dean in 2012 and left the University in 2017), Dr. Martin Davis (2015), Dr. Richard Lichtenthal (2021), and Sara Patterson (2023).
  • Actions Being Taken Now:  Following review of the newly released information, the University has taken the following actions:
    • Actions Regarding Roles and Affiliations: The dental school has taken action with respect to the two individuals who continued to be affiliated with the school. Dr. Thomas Magnani, who has not taught at the school since 2017, was removed from the admissions review committee and from volunteer leadership roles, including the presidency of the 1852 Club, and had previously stepped down from the school’s board of advisors. His voluntary faculty appointment and the affiliation agreement with his private dental practice have been terminated. Dr. Letty Moss-Salentijn will step down from her administrative roles.
    • Epstein-Related Donations and Disposition of Funds: The University is aware of $210,000 in donations from entities related to Epstein. No other donations from Epstein or related entities have been identified. The University will make a contribution, in the amount of $105,000 each, to two New York-based nonprofit organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

 

This statement was updated on February 13, 2026.