(Photo credit: Detroit Free Press)

On July 28, Michigan’s Interlochen Center for the Arts released an external investigation into decades of reported sexual abuse and associations with known sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Interlochen Center for the Arts was founded in 1928 and operates as both a year-round boarding school (Academy) for high schoolers and a summer camp for children in grades three – 12. Many accomplished singers, instrumentalists, conductors, composers, and directors are among alumni.

In 2024, an Academy alumna from the 1970s reported her experiences with a longtime faculty member and administrator to the school. Following this report, Interlochen and the Board of Trustees initiated this investigation. Sensitive information such as names (apart from those who were publicly identified previously and/or were convicted), dates, locations, and specific details of misconduct are not listed outright. Below are the main findings. The full report by Sanghavi Law Office, LLC, can be read here.

Main Findings

The purpose of the investigation was to gather information about and affirm alumni experiences, help acknowledge Interlochen’s past, and to build from lessons learned to “ensure that current and future students thrive in a safe and supportive environment.” The investigators were also tasked with reaching out to individuals who are believed to have information regarding Epstein’s ties with Interlochen.

The report documents firsthand accounts of 70 alumni and identifies 47 perpetrators affiliated with the center. Accounts of abuse are seen as early as the 1950s and continue through the 2010s. These accused are former educators, administrators, and staff members. Accounts include those being subjected to misconduct ranging from grooming and flirting to intercourse, both on and off campus, including in faculty houses.

Found within Interlochen’s personnel files were notes from a series of meetings with an arts faculty member regarding sexual misconduct. The faculty member was placed on leave, however, an administrator did provide two recommendations for this instructor. Similar action was seen in another personnel file. The report does not publish the letters, nor does it say where the employees went next, or whether the recommendations contained warnings of the allegations.

None of the 47 adults referred to in the report are currently employed or affiliated with Interlochen. Due to the vast range of time, most of the identified in this report are deceased. However, three of the four respondents who are named publicly (in addition to Epstein) appeared in Interlochen’s FY2025 Annual Report of Gifts through scholarships or program endowments bearing their names.

Epstein

Eight alumni were contacted by the Investigative Team regarding Epstein, six responded to the request. Two of  these alumni reported that Epstein engaged in physical conduct of a sexual nature with them, which was corroborated by other alumni. It is reported that interactions with Epstein occurred when he was still a donor to Interlochen (1990-2003).

One alum said that she met Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at Interlochen, where they offered to and followed through with paying for her tuition. She noted that they withdrew the support for subsequent schooling after she did not engage in requested conduct. Also during this time, they asked her to Epstein’s lodge on campus and to New York City where he engaged in sexual conduct with her. These incidents were not reported until decades later.

The second alum shared that, the summer after she graduated from Interlochen, Epstein paid for her flight to New York, and that during the visit she interacted with Epstein and Maxwell. She said that while Epstein was giving her a tour of his apartment he made sexual advances. She did not have contact with the abusers after this. In addition, the alum and her mother each shared that this alum disclosed Epstein’s conduct to her mother. The mother stated that after learning of this conduct, she called the main number at Interlochen to report Epstein’s conduct towards her daughter. The mother indicated that this matter was met with inattention and received no follow up.

Documents provided by Interlochen confirmed that Epstein contributed to the tuition of a small number of students, including the alum described above. There were no records provided to the Investigative Team reflecting knowledge of Epstein’s misconduct at Interlochen. Further, none of the current or former employees interviewed by the Investigative Team provided information reflecting that they were aware at the time that Epstein had engaged in conduct of a sexual nature with any student. Another alum expressed that he remembered two adults affiliated with the center gave him warnings about Epstein.

Actions Taken

Interlochen provided the Investigative Team with information regarding its current protocols and practices to ensure student safety. The report outlined the protocols put in place in recent years, such as enhanced reporting practices, behavioral standards on and off campus, training and education related to policies, improved background checks, and 24/7 supervision of the campus. Some 240 cameras have been installed throughout campus.

Interlochen is weighing renaming anything associated with the institution that might have connections to people accused of misconduct. In June of this year, it demolished the building previously named “Epstein Lodge,” which was crafted in the 1990s and funded by Epstein’s donation. That came after the school already renamed the building in 2009 once learning of his first conviction.

For students, weekly Advisory Groups take place to reinforce community standards, safety protocols, and behavioral expectations. These groups are co-led by faculty and staff advisors. In addition, there is a Student Support Team which includes the School Mental Health Team.

The school is creating a “counseling support fund” to help cover therapy for those affected by any misconduct while affiliated with Interlochen. This coincides with optional online meetings for survivors. Anyone with additional allegations of abuse is encouraged to contact Elizabeth Sanghavi.

Voices of Alumni 

As part of the investigation, the alumni were asked what outcomes they hoped might result from the investigation. Many participants shared that they would like to see updated policy for students, employees, and donors, along with “closer monitoring of students, prioritizing support of all students, and the expansion of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and anti-bias programs.” Many expressed they “would like to see a survey of the community culture” at the current Interlochen.

Alumni also hope for restorative efforts for survivors including support groups and financial assistance for mental health care, and for those pursuing charges against their perpetrator(s) to be able to use information collected during the course of this investigation.