BREAKING: David A. Ross has resigned as chair of the School of Visual Arts (SVA) MFA Art Practice Department effective immediately, following shocking revelations from the Department of Justice regarding his extensive email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This decision comes amid rising pressure from students and alumni who demanded action in light of Ross’s correspondence with Epstein, which dates back to 1999.
The emails released by the DOJ reveal troubling insights into Ross’s relationship with Epstein during and after the latter’s criminal convictions. In a January 2015 email, Ross expressed that he was “still proud” to call Epstein a friend, lamenting the negative attention Epstein was facing. A spokesperson for SVA confirmed the resignation, stating, “The school is aware of the communications and has accepted Mr. Ross’s resignation.”
The public outcry intensified as more details emerged from Ross’s emails, including a July 2009 message celebrating Epstein’s release from jail. “Ah…just about to email you a welcome home! glad the nightmare is over, Jeffrey… it was an undeserved punishment foisted upon you by jealous creeps,” Ross wrote. These statements have sparked outrage among the SVA community and beyond, highlighting the troubling nature of his relationship with Epstein.
The correspondence included alarming discussions about potential exhibitions featuring minors. In an October 2009 email, Epstein proposed an exhibition titled “statutory,” which would showcase images of minors. Ross appeared to enthusiastically support this idea, calling it a “very powerful and freaky book.” Such exchanges have raised significant concerns about Ross’s judgment and professional ethics.
As the story continues to unfold, it’s pertinent to note that Ross has held multiple prestigious roles throughout his career, including leadership positions at the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. His tenure at SVA lasted 17 years, a period now overshadowed by these revelations.
The fallout from this incident is likely to resonate through the art and education communities, as more individuals come forward regarding their connections to Epstein. Notably, artist Jeff Koons confirmed attending a dinner at Epstein’s home, reflecting the broader implications of Epstein’s network.
WHAT’S NEXT: The SVA and its community will now navigate the aftermath of this resignation, with many questioning how such relationships could have been tolerated within the institution. Meanwhile, discussions about the influence of Epstein’s network on the arts and education sectors are expected to intensify.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story continues to reveal more about the impacts of Ross’s resignation and the broader implications for the arts community.
