LANSING, Mich., April 16, 2026 — Today, state Rep. Penelope Tsernoglou (D-East Lansing), was joined by members from both parties in introducing House Resolution 284, which would create a special committee to explicitly examine the Interlochen Center for the Arts over allegations of abuse and the center’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

“To be honest, I was completely shocked when I found out how deeply rooted the apparent connections between Epstein and Interlochen were,” Tsernoglou said. “Not only was Epstein a donor, but because he donated a cabin named after himself, he was also allowed to stay on campus for 2 weeks a year for a number of years. One cannot help but wonder: did he donate a cabin so that he would have more unfettered, unsupervised access to children?”

The select committee would consist of six members — split evenly along party lines — tasked with reporting to the House of Representatives a summary of its findings and conclusions, as well as any recommendations on further appropriate actions the Legislature may take. The select committee would hold the power to “administer oaths, subpoena witnesses and examine the books and records of any persons, partnerships or corporations involved in a matter properly before the select committee.” It would also have the power to subpoena “the records and files of any state department, board, institution or agency” in connection with the investigation.

Reporting has shed light on predator Jeffrey Epstein’s connections to the Interlochen Center for the Arts. It is reported that Epstein attended the Interlochen summer camp as a student in 1967. He then renewed his ties with Interlochen around 1990, quickly becoming a loyal alumnus and major benefactor in the eyes of administrators. Through the years, he donated almost half a million dollars, donated a cabin named the Jeffrey E. Epstein Scholarship Lodge, hosted numerous fundraisers on Interlochen’s behalf and even paid for the scholarships of several children so that they could attend Interlochen. 

“Was anyone at the camp responsible for Epstein and what he was doing during those stays?” Tsernoglou added. “Was he just allowed to roam free because he was a major benefactor? These are extraordinarily concerning questions that, to my knowledge, we have never gotten answers to.”

Following the Department of Justice’s public partial release of the Epstein files, many institutions, individuals and even some government officials across the globe have come under scrutiny for their connections to Epstein. Reporting and past victim accounts make it clear that Michigan was a part of Epstein’s past. With the introduction of HR 284, lawmakers here in Michigan are determined to find out what that past looks like, and whether or not any state funds went to organizations that may have knowingly or unknowingly allowed Epstein to prey on children.

“We are optimistic that this issue will not be one that is partisan, which is evidenced by the fact that members from both parties signed onto this resolution,” Tsernoglou concluded. “Thanks to the many brave survivors who have spoken up about past abuses, and to excellent investigative reporting, I believe that we have a unique opportunity here to show the people of our state that we will not tolerate any instances of child sexual abuse.”

If passed by the House, the select committee would be able to get to work immediately. If you support this resolution, you can reach out to your State Representative to ask them if they have signed onto this, and if not, ask them to add their signature to this incredibly important resolution. You can find who your state representative is and how to contact them here.

Click here to read the bipartisan resolution.  

###