Dozens of students at The Ohio State University walked out of their classes on Friday, demanding the university remove the name of benefactor Les Wexner from campus buildings. The protest stems from Wexner's documented association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The demonstration is the latest in a series of student-led actions calling for the university to sever public ties with the retail billionaire. Protesters argue that honoring Wexner is inconsistent with the university's values, particularly on buildings like the medical center.
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State University students held a walkout demanding the removal of Les Wexner's name from campus buildings.
- The core issue is Wexner's past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Wexner and his foundation have been major donors, committing nearly $200 million to the university over the years.
- The university has received nearly 300 formal requests for the name removal and states it has an established review process.
Students Voice Their Concerns
The atmosphere on campus Friday was charged as students gathered to make their voices heard. They carried signs and chanted, expressing their frustration with the university's continued association with Wexner.
Madaleine Lake, an Ohio State student participating in the walkout, explained her motivation for joining the protest. She feels the administration has not adequately addressed the concerns surrounding Wexner's past.
"I came out here today because our administration has been extremely complicit in what Wexner's doing," Lake stated during the event. "We are openly showing his name all over campus, showing that he is a part of our school, and I don't think that that's a good reflection of what our school is and what we stand for."
The sentiment was shared by others who felt the prominent display of the Wexner name, especially on the university's medical center, was inappropriate given the nature of Epstein's crimes.
"I can't believe that OSU has his name up and on a hospital, of all things," said Eric Heberling, another student at the protest.
The students emphasized a fear that inaction could set a dangerous precedent. "How far will we defend these names until it's students on campus that are being affected?" Lake asked. "And you never know how far it's gonna go, and it could be you next."
Background: The Wexner-Epstein Connection
Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands, had a long and close professional relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, who served as his financial manager. Wexner has since stated that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities and was "conned" by him. He has not been charged with any crime in relation to Epstein's sex trafficking ring.
A History of Philanthropy
The issue is complicated by Les Wexner's long history as a major benefactor to The Ohio State University. His financial contributions have shaped the modern campus and its programs, making the decision to remove his name a significant one for the administration.
According to university records, Les Wexner and the Limited Brands Foundation had donated, raised, or pledged a total of nearly $200 million to Ohio State before February 17, 2011.
A landmark commitment of $100 million made in February 2011 was instrumental in supporting key institutions on campus. The funds were primarily directed toward The Ohio State University Medical Center and The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute. It is this high-profile naming on the medical facilities that has drawn particular criticism from student protesters.
Wexner's Testimony
The controversy gained new momentum after Wexner recently provided testimony to the House Oversight Committee regarding his relationship with Epstein. He maintained that he was deceived and had no knowledge of any illegal conduct.
When questioned by lawmakers if he ever observed anything that suggested Epstein was involved in sex trafficking, Wexner's response was definitive.
"Absolutely not. I've asked myself that question over and over. Why I didn't see, there should have been a clue or something that I should have picked up on. There's nothing that I can recall. Nothing," Wexner told the committee.
University Response and Formal Process
In response to the student walkout, The Ohio State University has affirmed its support for free expression on campus while highlighting the formal procedures in place for such matters.
A university spokesperson provided a statement addressing Friday's protest: "Ohio State supports the right of the campus community to speak out about issues that are important to them and advocate for causes in a way that is lawful."
This follows a similar statement from the Wexner Medical Center after a protest was held outside the hospital on a recent Sunday. Leaders there noted that the university and medical center "take the demonstrators’ concerns very seriously and investigations are proceeding."
The university has an established process for reviewing requests to rename buildings and spaces. An official confirmed that as of February 18, the university had already received approximately 295 formal submissions related to removing Wexner's name. The existence of this formal channel is a key point in the administration's communications.
The statement from the medical center further clarified the path forward: "Additionally, there is an established process for considering renaming requests at the university."
As students continue to apply pressure, the university administration faces a difficult decision, balancing its commitment to student concerns with its long-standing relationship with one of its most significant donors. The outcome of the formal review process will be closely watched by the entire campus community.