Ohio State University Faces Pressure to Remove Les Wexner's Name Amid Epstein Controversy

On February 22, 2026, at least 150 protesters gathered outside University Hospital to urge Ohio State University (OSU) to remove the name of Les Wexner, a prominent donor, from various campus buildings. The demonstration was organized by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) and included nurses, students, sexual abuse survivors, and community members. Protesters chanted slogans such as "Wexner equals pain, remove the name," highlighting their concerns over Wexner's ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The ONA's formal request includes the renaming of the Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the football practice facility within the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Columbus Dispatch

Les Wexner, a billionaire and former CEO of L Brands, has faced scrutiny due to his long-standing relationship with Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for sex-related charges involving a minor and later faced federal sex trafficking charges before his death in 2019. Documents indicate that Wexner's connections to Epstein raise ethical concerns for OSU, particularly given the university's history with the Richard Strauss abuse scandal. The ONA argues that retaining Wexner's name undermines public trust in a taxpayer-funded institution.

Columbus Dispatch

In response to the protests, the Wexner Medical Center stated that it takes the demonstrators' concerns seriously and that investigations are ongoing regarding the request for name removal. The university emphasized its commitment to free expression while maintaining its operational integrity. Rick Lucas, president of the ONA, asserted that the decision to remove Wexner's name lies with university leadership, stating, "This is purely a leadership decision." He emphasized the need for the university to prioritize student and patient welfare.

Columbus Dispatch

The ONA's petition also calls for the removal of Dr. Mark Landon's name from a waiting area at University Hospital, citing his financial ties to Epstein. The association contends that Wexner's name serves as a distraction from the university's mission, particularly with the opening of a new patient tower. Steven Snyder-Hill, a survivor of the Strauss abuse scandal, expressed skepticism about the university's ability to prevent future abuse, stating, "The only thing they can do is assure us that when it happens again that they’re going to appropriately respond."

Columbus Dispatch

The ONA's request references a 2005 gift agreement involving Epstein and Abigail Wexner, which led to a $5 million contribution to OSU for naming rights to the football practice facility. In 2020, the university acknowledged that a $2.5 million payment accepted from Epstein's foundation was part of this agreement. Wexner has publicly claimed to have severed ties with Epstein and denied knowledge of his criminal activities, although he has not faced any charges related to the matter.

Columbus Dispatch

The ongoing protests and calls for accountability at Ohio State University reflect a growing demand for institutions to align their values with their naming honors. As the university reviews its policies and the implications of Wexner's name, the situation underscores the complexities of donor relationships in the context of ethical accountability.

Columbus Dispatch