FC Staff

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Fisher Center at Bard Staff & supporters demand the Bard College Board of Trustees not rehire ousted President and Epstein associate Leon Botstein. https://forms.gle/ZD2WWyZ9KPqSepSt7

Bard College Buildings and Grounds Department and Environmental Services stand with the Fisher Center staff! – Bard College B&G and ES SEIU Local 200United Members. SEIU and FC Staff logos. White background purple text.
There are hundreds of us putting in long and hard days on the opera. We’re so proud of our work. But for many of us, it’s complicated by the absence of clarity around Leon’s role now that his contract has ended, his poor leadership, and concerns about choosing between our jobs and complicity. If he’s fundraising for next year’s opera, I don’t know if I can work on it. - Current Staff member
The Fisher Center was a place that was so magical for me. Since February, the place I love so much has felt like America during McCarthyism. We cannot speak freely about what is going on, or ask questions without fear of who is lurking in the hallways or listening in. My colleagues and I cannot stand up for what we know to be right without fearing that we will lose our jobs. - Current Staff Member
We will not return to performances that Botstein is conducting, so you are losing revenue. We stand with other residents who are practicing the same. Botstein must go. Justice for Epstein's victims. - FC Audience Member (red background; fc staff groundhog logo)
Under Botstein’s leadership, the annual SummerScape Opera has been written by a woman only once in its 20-plus-year history. He’s never picked a piece by a composer of color. His Bard Music Festival curation has only ever focused on a woman once, and a non-white composer once, in 36 years. Decades of his choices continue to perpetuate the idea that the only classical music and opera worth studying and hearing are the ones composed by dead white men. It’s deeply frustrating to keep putting on works by the same profile of composer year after year, and no one seems to have the power to even suggest we do anything different while Botstein’s in charge. - Current FC Staff & Bard Alumn
Botstein’s behavior has created a pervasive environment of fear throughout the building. His arrival is announced via radio to the staff, and he’s then escorted to rehearsal while everyone gets out of his way. Whatever you do, don’t heat up your dinner backstage - he might smell it. - Current Staff member (blue background, fc staff with groundhog logo in corner)
I received an email in which Leon described work that I collaborated on as “a little booklet...[that is] a cross between a bad joke and a severe offense.” He instructed that Bard College’s land and slavery acknowledgement were to be moved to the end of the document, as that’s where he said “virtue signaling” belongs. - Current staff member
As a principal singer, I felt no connection to the opera, particularly since Botstein made no point to interact with us principals or learn my name. The entire production was so disjointed due to poor leadership, a lack of preparation at the podium, and ruling with an iron fist as opposed to leading a team. I would describe my experience as challenging. It was a great opportunity to perform rare, grand opera, and at the same time one of the worst musical experiences of my life because of Botstein's poor conducting leadership. - Former Opera Principal Singer. (grey background, FC STAFF logo in corner.)
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Purple background, Fisher Center STAFF logo, with staff boldest. The verbal and emotional abuse of staff, students, and artists by Botstein was not a small factor in my decision to pursue employment elsewhere. It constantly put myself, the staff, and artists I was responsible for in emotionally fraught situations. I believe in working kindly, professionally, and respectfully. And I refuse to work anywhere my colleagues or I will not be receive the same treatment from leadership. - Former Staff Member
Google Docs - "We're Sorry. You can't access this item because it is in violation of our Terms of Service." Caption: "well, someone doesn't agree with Bard's stated affirmation of the right of free speech..." with a link that reads "now back to our scheduled program"
Taupe? background, Fisher Center STAFF logo with staff boldest. It has been the understanding among staff that Leon has been protected from consequences for his actions by the Bard Presidency, though he has acted in ways that I believe would have resulted in termination for any other employee. Based on both his involvement with Epstein and his past behavior, I think it would be incredibly detrimental to the Fisher Center’s reputation and the well-being of its staff if he is allowed to continue involvement in our programs. If Leon does remain involved in programs at the Fisher Center I plan to seek employment elsewhere. - Current staff member
Red background, Fisher Center STAFF logo, with STAFF boldest. I was an employee for the Fisher Center and I loved the community and the art. But Botstein’s statement about ‘taking money from the devil to do God’s work’ disgusted me enough to take a contract with a different company this season. Ends do not justify means & it matters who you take money from. I sympathize with the talented and well-aligned staff at the Fisher Center who work at an institution whose actions they disagree with. I sincerely hope there is enough momentum within the organization to push Botstein out completely. - Former staff member
blue background, FC STAFF logo with staff boldest. AN OPEN LETTER - to the Transition Committee and full Bard College Board of Trustees Regarding Leon Botstein's Future Role at Bard College. Want to add your support? Full letter linked in bio.
orange background with the word "FC STAFF", with staff bolder. there is a line drawing of a woodchuck jumping across a sun.