Protests are intensifying at universities across the United States, calling for the removal of names associated with Jeffrey Epstein from campus buildings. The movement reflects a growing demand for accountability and a reevaluation of the relationship between institutions and donors linked to the convicted sex offender.

Pressure Mounts at Ohio State University

At Ohio State University, a sustained campaign aims to remove billionaire Les Wexner’s name from facilities including the Les Wexner Football Complex and the Wexner Center for the Arts. Protesters argue that Wexner’s close ties to Epstein should disqualify him from continued recognition by the university.

Student and Athlete Concerns

A request for name removal submitted by student leaders stated, “Ohio State University cannot credibly separate itself from these facts, nor can it justify continuing to honor Les Wexner with an athletic facility.” They emphasized the need to support survivors and demonstrate moral leadership. Concerns have also been raised by union nurses at OSU’s Wexner Medical Center and former athletes.

Harvard University Faces Similar Demands

Similar calls for change are echoing at Harvard University, where students and faculty are targeting the Leslie H. Wexner Building and the Wexner-Sunshine Lobby. The renaming request cites Wexner’s “strong ties to Epstein” and alleges Epstein financially benefited Wexner, enabling his abusive behavior.

Farkas Hall Also Under Scrutiny

Students and alumni are also seeking the removal of the Farkas name from Farkas Hall, which houses the Hasty Pudding Theatricals. Andrew Farkas, a Harvard alum, had a long-standing personal and business relationship with Epstein, including co-owning a marina and receiving substantial donations to Hasty Pudding from Epstein between 2013 and 2019.

Farkas stated, “As I’ve said repeatedly, I deeply regret ever having met this individual, but at no time have I conducted myself inappropriately.”

Broader Trend Across Campuses

Haverford College in Pennsylvania recently saw its student body vote to urge President Wendy Raymond to proceed with renaming the Allison & Sports and Fitness Center, though Raymond indicated she wasn’t ready to do so. Ohio State’s new president, Ravi Bellamkonda, assured a “thorough, fair, and open” review of all name removal requests.

Past Decisions and Ongoing Debate

Harvard has previously changed the name of John Winthrop House due to connections to slavery. However, the university chose not to remove the Sackler name, citing a “complex, ambiguous and debatable” legacy. Universities are grappling with balancing donor relations and ethical considerations.

Financial Contributions and Ethical Concerns

Wexner, along with his wife and charities, has donated over $200 million to Ohio State, and $42 million to Harvard’s Kennedy School. Anne Bergeron, a museum consultant, noted the increasing intolerance among students for associations with individuals who do not embody “the best of humanity.” She described the situation as “a moment of reckoning” for universities.

Lauren Barnes, a Harvard Kennedy School student and survivor of sexual abuse, expressed the emotional toll of walking past buildings bearing Epstein-linked names. Audrey Brill, a protester at Ohio State, stated it “feels gross” to think of the medical center’s funding source given Epstein’s crimes.