BU COM Students Demand Dean Address Epstein Correspondence

Revelations of Dean Mariette DiChristina's past contact with Jeffrey Epstein spark outrage and calls for transparency from the administration.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Students at Boston University's College of Communication are voicing sharp criticism after learning that COM Dean Mariette DiChristina was in correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2014 and 2015. Many are calling for DiChristina to address the situation and for the university to take action, with some students even suggesting DiChristina should be removed from her position.

Why it matters

The revelations about DiChristina's contact with Epstein have deeply impacted the BU COM community, with students expressing feelings of embarrassment, disappointment, and a sense that the university's values are being called into question. The lack of communication from the administration has only exacerbated the situation, leading students to feel ignored and disrespected.

The details

According to reports, DiChristina, who served as editor-in-chief of Scientific American until 2019, exchanged emails with Epstein after he pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008 and registered as a sex offender. While the authorities have not accused DiChristina of any criminal wrongdoing, the revelations that she had a one-on-one meeting with Epstein and invited him to attend an editorial meeting at Scientific American have caused significant uproar among BU COM students.

  • In 2014 and 2015, DiChristina was in correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • On February 4, 2026, The Daily Free Press reported on DiChristina's emails with Epstein.
  • On February 9, 2026, BC students chanted "Epstein files" toward the BU student section at the Beanpot hockey tournament final.

The players

Mariette DiChristina

The current Dean of the Boston University College of Communication, who was previously the editor-in-chief of Scientific American.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008.

Suarez

A BU student who expressed outrage over DiChristina's continued presence on campus.

James Noyes

A senior journalism student at BU who said he was not surprised by the news and called for DiChristina's removal.

Chloe Chen

A freshman advertising student at BU who said the scandal has tarnished the reputation of the COM school.

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What they’re saying

“Her continuing to be on campus and [continuing] her job as if nothing happened is wild. It hurts learning that someone in your institution has connections to this deplorable stuff.”

— Suarez, BU Student (dailyfreepress.com)

“I love this school, but, especially in the recent years, it has a pretty bad history with social and moral issues. I don't think we were unprepared for this.”

— James Noyes, Senior Journalism Student (dailyfreepress.com)

“Having involvement in that is honestly really embarrassing.”

— Chloe Chen, Freshman Advertising Student (dailyfreepress.com)

What’s next

The COM Student Government has requested that the Dean's Office release a public statement addressing the situation, and students have expressed a desire for the university to take some form of action, with some calling for DiChristina's removal from her position.

The takeaway

This scandal has deeply impacted the BU COM community, shaking their faith in the university's values and leadership. The administration's perceived silence on the matter has only exacerbated the situation, leaving students feeling ignored and disrespected. The university now faces a critical test in how it chooses to address this controversy and restore trust with its students.