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COLUMBUS, Ohio – A demonstration unfolded Sunday at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, as over 150 protesters, including nurses, students, and community members, called for the removal of Les Wexner’s name from university buildings. The protest, organized by the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), stems from concerns over Wexner’s long-standing relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and its impact on the university’s reputation, and values.

The newly opened 26-story Wexner Medical Center tower served as the backdrop for the demonstration, with protesters chanting slogans such as “Wexner equals pain, remove the name” and “Hey hey, ho ho, Wexner’s name has got to go.” The ONA formally requested the university review and remove Wexner’s name from the Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts, and the football practice facility, arguing that his continued association undermines public trust in a taxpayer-funded institution.

The protest comes days after Wexner’s deposition by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding his relationship with Epstein, a deposition held at Wexner’s Novel Albany home. This deposition, coupled with the release of previously redacted FBI documents, has intensified scrutiny of Wexner’s connections to Epstein and fueled calls for accountability.

Demands Extend Beyond Wexner’s Name

The ONA’s demands extend beyond simply removing Wexner’s name. The association is also calling for the removal of Dr. Mark Landon’s name from the new labor and delivery floor waiting area at University Hospital. Documents related to the Epstein case reveal that Landon received payments from Epstein, which he claims were for consulting fees related to biotech investments, not patient care. Protesters also voiced concerns about Wexner affiliates serving on the university’s Board of Trustees, calling for their removal as well.

“With the new patient tower opening, this is a time to focus on care, and Wexner’s name is a distraction,” said Rick Lucas, president of the Ohio Nurses Association. “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 particularly eyes.”

Tammy Baxter, a float pool nurse with 11 years of experience, and Kendra Fullen, a geriatric nurse for over eight years, explained their participation in the protest, emphasizing the importance of a safe and healing environment within the hospital. “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 stated.

Epstein’s Financial Ties to Ohio State

The ONA’s request highlights a 2005 gift agreement involving Epstein and Abigail Wexner, which led to a $5 million contribution to the university foundation for naming rights to the football practice facility. According to documents submitted by the ONA, Epstein signed the agreement and in 2007 endorsed a $2.5 million check from his C.O.U.Q. Foundation Inc., which the university accepted. The remaining balance was later transferred by the Les Wexner Charitable Fund. The Columbus Dispatch reported that Ohio State publicly acknowledged in 2020 that the $2.5 million payment originated from Epstein’s foundation.

Wexner has previously stated he severed ties with Epstein and that Epstein misappropriated hundreds of millions of dollars from him, with only $100 million being repaid. He has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct and has not been charged with a crime in connection to the matter. However, protesters argue that the financial connection, regardless of Wexner’s claims, is enough to warrant removing his name from university properties.

University Response and Naming Review Process

The Wexner Medical Center released a statement acknowledging the protesters’ concerns and stating that “investigations are proceeding.” The statement also affirmed the university’s commitment to free expression while ensuring the continuation of medical center operations. The university pointed to its University Naming Review Procedure, introduced in 2022, as the proper channel for requesting the renaming of university spaces. A university spokesperson confirmed that there are currently pending requests related to the Wexner name.

The ONA also connected its request to the university’s handling of the Richard Strauss abuse scandal, arguing that maintaining Wexner’s name on prominent institutions sends a conflicting message about accountability. Steven Snyder-Hill, a survivor of the Strauss abuse, attended the protest, carrying photos of university board members, and emphasized the need for institutions to prioritize accountability in cases of abuse.

The situation remains fluid as Ohio State University considers the requests and navigates the complex intersection of donor relations, institutional values, and public accountability. The university’s response will likely set a precedent for how it addresses similar concerns in the future. Further developments are expected as the university completes its review process and responds to the growing calls for change.

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