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Weeks after emails revealed his long-running correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, the American Economic Association issued a rare lifetime ban, citing conduct that violated its standards of integrity
Shockwaves continue to move through the economics profession as one of its most recognizable figures steps away from public life.
His resignation from Harvard last month signaled a turning point, but the repercussions have now widened far beyond campus.
The episode has renewed debate about power, mentorship and ethical boundaries inside academic economics.
Fallout across the field
Business Insider reported that Larry Summers resigned from his Harvard teaching post on November 21 after emails revealed he had maintained contact with Jeffrey Epstein for years, even asking Epstein’s advice on pursuing a romantic relationship with a woman he described as his mentee.
The disclosures intensified questions about professional conduct at the highest levels of the discipline.
Summers acknowledged wrongdoing in a statement to Business Insider, saying, “I am deeply ashamed of my actions and recognize the pain they have caused,” and added that he accepted “full responsibility” for continuing to communicate with Epstein.
The revelations quickly expanded into a broader conversation about trust between senior economists and the students or early-career researchers who rely on them.
AEA steps in
Amid mounting scrutiny, the American Economic Association issued a lifetime prohibition against Summers, barring him from attending, speaking at or participating in its activities.
The AEA referenced his “conduct, as reflected in publicly reported communications,” asserting it was incompatible with the association’s standards of integrity. The statement, released Tuesday, did not mention Epstein by name.
The AEA, which has more than 17,000 members, said it would not provide further details, citing its longstanding confidentiality practices around disciplinary decisions.
Business Insider reported that Summers, a former US Treasury Secretary and once the president of Harvard University, had exchanged emails with Epstein up until July 5, 2019 — one day before the financier’s arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges.
Unanswered questions
Summers had previously indicated to Business Insider that he would step back from public life following the email disclosures. He did not respond to the outlet’s latest request for comment on the AEA decision.
The case continues to raise concerns about culture and accountability in economics, with professional groups facing pressure to enforce ethical standards more forcefully.
Sources: Business Insider
