Bard College’s Board of Trustees has hired an outside law firm to investigate communications between President Leon Botstein and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Recent emails disclosed by the U.S. Justice Department show numerous communications between the two spanning several years.

In a statement, the trustees of the Dutchess County-based college said the independent review will examine the full scope of those communications, including financial contributions connected to Epstein and any related matters. The investigation is expected to last several months.

Botstein has said Epstein was not his friend but a prospective donor, and expressed regret over his connection to Epstein and his deepest sympathies to Epstein’s victims.

The fallout has led the college to postpone its spring fundraising gala, which was originally scheduled for next month.