In wake of Epstein files release, protesters demand OSU remove Wexner's name

Amani Bayo

At least 150 protesters gathered in front of University Hospital around noon Feb. 22 to call on Ohio State University to remove the name of donor and New Albany billionaire Les Wexner from multiple campus buildings, arguing his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein conflict with the university's stated values.

The demonstration, organized by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), drew nurses, students, sexual abuse survivors and community members. Protesters changed, "Hey hey, ho ho, Wexner's name has got to go," and "Wexner equals pain, remove the name"

Despite frigid temperatures and snowfall, many nurses stepped away on their lunch breaks to attend the protest holding signs that read "accountability over donations," "Where's Wexner" and "Pedophile hospital."

Tammy Baxter, a float pool nurse of 11 years, and Kendra Fullen, a geriatric nurse of more than eight years, said they attended the protest because they believe the hospital is a place that should represent safety.

"It means protection and healing where all people of all walks of life, even if we don’t agree politically, are allowed here in a safe space," Baxter said.

The demonstration comes days after Wexner's deposition where he was asked about his relationship with Epstein.

What are protesters asking for?

The ONA formally requested that the university review and remove Wexner's name from the Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts and the football practice facility inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

In a letter submitted to the university and a formal naming-review petition, the association argues that continued use of Wexner's name "undermines public trust" in a taxpayer-funded institution.

Rick Lucas, president of the Ohio Nurses Association, said the decision ultimately rests with university leadership.

"They don’t have any legal entanglements, so this is purely a leadership decision," Lucas said. "I believe that we’re on the right side of history here and we’re going to keep fighting for what’s right."

Lucas said the group is "demanding a university that puts students and patients first."

The association also called for the removal of Dr. Mark Landon's name from the new labor and delivery floor waiting area at University Hospital. Documents in the Epstein files show Landon received payments from Epstein, which the doctor has said were consulting fees related to biotech investments, not patient care.

Demonstrators also called for the removal of Wexner affiliates from the university’s Board of Trustees.

"With the new patient tower opening, this is a time to focus on care, and Wexner’s name is a distraction," Lucas said. "Trust has to be a core value, and right now they’re eroding trust by holding onto that name and ignoring what is playing out right before our very eyes."

The group contends that Wexner's long professional and personal relationship with Epstein — who pleaded guilty in 2008 to sex-related charges involving a minor and was later charged with federal sex trafficking crimes before his death in 2019— creates reputational and ethical concerns for the university.

Ohio State maintains a formal naming-review policy that allows requests for reconsideration of honorific names.

The association also tied its request to unresolved questions around the university’s handling of the Richard Strauss abuse scandal, saying that leaving Wexner’s name on important institutions sends a “contradictory message” about accountability.

Steven Snyder-Hill, a Strauss abuse survivor who attended the protest carrying headshots of university board of trustees members John Zeiger and Elizabeth Kessler, said institutions cannot promise abuse will never happen again.

"OSU has over 10,000 employees. They cannot guarantee to us that sexual assault is never going to occur again," Snyder-Hill said. "The only thing they can do is assure us that when it happens again that they’re going to appropriately respond."

Epstein-linked donation to Ohio State University

In the ONA's removal request, the association points to a 2005 gift agreement involving Epstein and Abigail Wexner that led to a $5 million contribution to the university foundation for naming rights to the football practice facility.

According to the submitted documents, Epstein signed the agreement and in 2007 endorsed a $2.5 million check from his foundation, C.O.U.Q. Foundation Inc., which the university accepted. The remaining balance was later transferred by the Les Wexner Charitable Fund.

In 2020, Ohio State publicly acknowledged that the $2.5 million payment originated from Epstein's foundation.

Wexner has previously said he severed ties with Epstein and has stated Epstein misappropriated money from him. He has denied knowledge of Epstein's criminal conduct and has not been charged with a crime related to the matter.

Wexner’s history with Ohio State

The Ohio State University's medical center was renamed in 2012 following a $100 million gift from Wexner. University trustees at the time cited his decades of service, including 16 years on the Board of Trustees— starting in 1988 — and more than $200 million in total giving.

The Wexner Center for the Arts was originally named in honor of Wexner’s father.

The ONA argues that naming honors reflect institutional values and that the university, as a public institution, has heightened responsibility to maintain public trust.

Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at [email protected].