Ohio State students, health care workers demand removal of Les Wexner's name from campus

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There are growing calls for The Ohio State University to remove the name of billionaire donor Les Wexner from several campus buildings. The push comes after Wexner was questioned by Congress on Wednesday at his New Albany estate about his past ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner is the largest individual donor in Ohio State history, giving more than $200 million to the university over the years. "My relationship with this institution will never end," he said in a 2011 statement regarding his generous contributions to Ohio State. But on campus this week, frustration was visible. A sign bearing Wexner’s name at the Wexner Center for the Arts was seen crossed out, with tape placed over it spelling “pedo.” University leaders confirmed that as of Feb. 18, about 295 requests have been submitted to remove the Wexner name from campus buildings. Those requests were filed through Ohio State’s “University Naming Review Procedure,” which was introduced in 2022. The policy allows students, faculty, staff, and alumni to formally request the removal of names from university spaces. The university says each request receives full consideration and that all current requests related to the Wexners' remain under review.