COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — In rain, snow, and bitter cold, a steady drumbeat of small protests have been held in recent months on the Ohio State University main campus with a single goal in mind: removing billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner’s name from buildings where it’s emblazoned.
At issue — for union nurses at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center, for former athletes at the Les Wexner Football Complex, and for some student leaders walking past the Wexner Center for the Arts — is Wexner’s well-documented association with the late sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein.
Similar cries are arising over a Wexner-named building at Harvard University and other institutions named for different Epstein associates. This reflects a broader backlash across higher education against individuals linked to Epstein, highlighting increasing scrutiny on university donors.
Wexner’s Association Sparks Outrage
Although Wexner has not been charged with any crime related to Epstein, a group of former OSU athletes argues that the retired L Brands founder’s contributions to the university are now overshadowed by Epstein’s influence on financial decisions connected to the naming of facilities.
The renaming request emphasizes that Ohio State University cannot credibly associate itself with Wexner while ignoring the concerns of survivors and the broader community demanding accountability.
Growing Momentum for Change
On campuses nationwide, demands are gaining traction. At Harvard, students and faculty urge the removal of Wexner's name from various buildings, citing Epstein's exploitation of his associations. Protests are also present at Haverford College, which has voted to pursue renaming their library that honors a significant benefactor linked to Epstein.
Universities are facing pressure to uphold ethical standards in naming conventions, with some institutions reflecting on their past decisions. Ohio State has initiated a \\five-step review procedure\\ to address these requests, with President Ravi Bellamkonda promising thorough consideration.
Balancing Financial and Ethical Considerations
The situation around Wexner's name mirrors broader discussions regarding donor legacies, particularly in academia. Major gifts from individuals with controversial pasts raise questions about moral standards in philanthropy. It forces universities to navigate a complex terrain of financial reliance on donations versus the ethical obligations to their communities.
This moment has prompted calls for healing and accountability from those affected by past abuses, urging institutions to reconsider their affiliations with problematic benefactors.
