Yale Suspends Professor David Gelernter Pending Review of Communications With Jeffrey Epstein

 

Yale University

Yale Suspends Professor David Gelernter Pending Review of Communications With Jeffrey Epstein

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Yale University has suspended computer science professor David Gelernter from teaching duties while it reviews his past communications with Jeffrey Epstein, the university confirmed Wednesday.

The action follows the recent release of Department of Justice files in late January that included previously undisclosed email correspondence between Gelernter and Epstein.

According to documents made public, Gelernter exchanged emails with Epstein that included discussion of a potential software-related project. In one October 2011 email, Gelernter referenced a Yale student while describing a possible recommendation.

“I have a perfect editoress in mind: Yale sr, worked at Vogue last summer, runs her own campus mag, art major, completely connected, v small goodlooking blonde,” Gelernter wrote in the message.

The email was sent approximately three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida state court in 2008 to soliciting an underage girl for prostitution. Epstein served 13 months in jail in that case.

University Response

In a statement provided to CNBC, a Yale spokesperson said the university does not condone the conduct described in the communications.

“Yale is committed to excellence in the classroom and to fostering an environment in which all members of our community feel respected and valued,” the statement said.

The spokesperson added that leadership within the School of Engineering and Applied Science became aware of the communications last week.

“The professor’s conduct is under review. Until the review is completed, the professor will not teach his class,” the university said.

Gelernter did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Background

Gelernter is a prominent computer scientist and author who was seriously injured in 1993 when he opened a mail bomb sent by Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber. The explosion left him permanently injured and without the use of his right hand.

Yale’s review comes amid renewed scrutiny of public figures who maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction. Epstein died in federal custody in New York in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Authorities ruled his death a suicide.

The university has not provided a timeline for the completion of its review.

FAQs: Yale’s Suspension of Professor David Gelernter

1. Why did Yale suspend David Gelernter?

Yale temporarily barred Professor David Gelernter from teaching while it conducts a review of his past email communications with Jeffrey Epstein.

2. What triggered the review?

The review followed the release of Department of Justice documents in late January that included email correspondence between Gelernter and Epstein.

3. What did the emails contain?

One 2011 email referenced a potential software project and mentioned a Yale student in the context of a recommendation. The email became public as part of the broader Epstein document release.

4. Has Gelernter been accused of a crime?

As of now, no criminal charges have been announced against Gelernter. Yale stated the matter is under internal review.

5. What is Yale’s official position?

Yale said it does not condone the conduct described and confirmed that Gelernter will not teach classes while the review is ongoing.

6. When were the emails sent?

The specific email cited was sent in October 2011, three years after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea in Florida state court.

7. Who is David Gelernter?

Gelernter is a well-known computer science professor and author. In 1993, he was seriously injured in a mail bomb attack carried out by Ted Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber.

8. Has Yale provided a timeline for the investigation?

No timeline has been announced for when the university’s review will be completed.

9. Why is there renewed attention on Epstein-related contacts?

Recent document releases have led to renewed scrutiny of individuals who communicated with Epstein after his 2008 conviction.

10. What happens next?

Yale will continue its internal review. Gelernter will remain barred from teaching until that process concludes.