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I think the argument against taking money from him centers around influence.

Taking money from someone is perceived as them gaining influence over the opinions and actions of the person receiving it. When the person donating is a "bad person" then they are a bad influence and taint the receivers actions also.

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I can see how this is sometimes true, like if big tobacco donated to research on the safety of tobacco. Or if they took money from Epstein and used it to research sexuality in children that would be a problem.

But I don't see how that concern applies in this case.

Epstein showed a lot of interest in all kinds of scientifically and ethically dubious ideas like eugenics, and he actively prodded people in favor of these ideas at the dinners, parties, and jet rides he hosted.

This was not a case of a guy just writing a check and receding back into the woodwork. (Even if it was, I'd still say "trafficking children to be raped" is a bridge too far on the path of "ethical violations which are sufficient to refuse donations.")

I wonder how many pro-eugenecists realize that if their dream became a reality, they might not make the cut...

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