Columbia University Cuts Ties With Staff Linked to Epstein Scandal

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Columbia University has severed ties with two staff members, Dr. Thomas Magnani and Dr. Letty Moss-Salentijn, who were implicated in helping admit Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend into the university's dental college in exchange for a $450,000 donation from Epstein. The university has also pledged to donate $210,000, equal to the amount received from Epstein-related entities, to charities supporting survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

Why it matters

The Epstein scandal has implicated numerous prominent individuals, and Columbia University's actions send a strong message that such unethical behavior will not be tolerated, even at the highest levels of academia. This case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in higher education admissions processes.

The details

According to reports, Dr. Magnani, a Manhattan dentist, colluded with Columbia officials to admit Epstein's girlfriend to the university's dental college in exchange for a $450,000 donation from Epstein. Dr. Moss-Salentijn was also implicated in this scheme. Columbia has now terminated Dr. Magnani's voluntary faculty appointment and affiliation agreement with his private practice, and Dr. Moss-Salentijn will step down from her administrative roles.

• In 2017, Dr. Thomas Magnani last taught at Columbia University.
• On February 15, 2026, Columbia University announced it was cutting ties with the implicated staff members.

What’s next

Columbia University plans to donate $210,000 - equal to the amount received from Epstein-related entities - to charities that support survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.