In brief
Across U.S. universities, growing protests demand the removal of buildings named after figures linked to Jeffrey Epstein, including billionaire Les Wexner. Protesters argue that honoring these individuals undermines the credibility of their institutions and minimizes the voices of survivors of abuse. As the backlash intensifies, schools are evaluating their naming policies amidst mounting pressure from student bodies and communities.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Amid persistent rain, snow, and cold weather, groups of protesters have risen in significant numbers on university campuses, particularly at Ohio State University (OSU), demanding that the name of billionaire retail executive Les Wexner be removed from various buildings. This demand stems from Wexner's extensive ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
At the center of this controversy are the OSU's Wexner Medical Center and the Les Wexner Football Complex. Voices from union nurses, former athletes, and student leaders are dedicated to holding the university accountable for its associations with Wexner, whose legacy is now intertwined with accusations surrounding Epstein, a notorious figure in abuse scandals.
Fellow universities, including Harvard, are seeing similar activism against buildings named after those affiliated with Epstein. These institutions are now scrutinizing the moral implications of continuing to honor donors who may have enabled trafficking and abuse through their wealth and connections.
Students at Harvard's Kennedy School have specifically targeted the Leslie H. Wexner Building and have cited direct links between Wexner and Epstein, emphasizing that the naming of such buildings does not reflect the values of the community. This concern echoes speeches across college campuses, emphasizing accountability and moral leadership from institutions in light of their financial benefactors.
OSU has begun reviewing the requests for name removals as part of a lengthy and often opaque process, while Harvard confirmed receipt of requests but withheld further comment. The calls for name changes reflect a growing trend across educational institutions as more communities seek to dissociate from harmful legacies tied to powerful donors.
Activists are firmly stating that failing to act signifies complicity, demanding that universities uphold their responsibilities to survivors and the integrity of their missions. For many, the push to remove these names is not just about rebranding; it’s about healing and fostering safer environments for all students.
