Columbia University removes personnel associated with admitting Epstein's girlfriend

Columbia University says it has “taken action” against individuals affiliated with its dental school after revelations about Jeffrey Epstein's girlfriend.

Columbia University says it has "taken action" against two individuals affiliated with its dental school, after recent disclosures by the Justice Department revealed that Jeffrey Epstein’s girlfriend was admitted to the program in 2012 through what Columbia described as an "irregular process," according to a statement issued Wednesday by the university.

“In short, a student was admitted to the dental school through an irregular process, coinciding with fundraising solicitations by former academic and alumni leadership of the school,” the statement said.  “It is important to note that the student in question, who came to the dental school and graduated, has not, to the best of our knowledge, been found responsible for wrongdoing."

After reviewing the newly disclosed records, Columbia said it was removing two individuals still associated with the dental college from their roles.  Several individuals no longer associated with the school, including former dean of the dental college, Ira Lamster, were also allegedly involved in the admissions process.

And the university said it would also make a contribution of $105,000 each to two nonprofit organizations supporting survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

Karyna Shuliak, a native of Belarus who was Epstein’s last known girlfriend, was initially rejected for admission to the school in February 2012, according to a rejection letter contained in the DOJ’s Epstein files.