Across the United States, universities are confronting demands to remove the names of individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein from buildings and facilities. Protests, fueled by concerns over Epstein’s extensive network and its impact on institutions of higher learning, have been ongoing for months.

Pressure Mounts at Ohio State University

At Ohio State University, a consistent series of protests have targeted the Les Wexner Football Complex and other buildings bearing the name of billionaire retail mogul Les Wexner. The issue stems from Wexner’s well-documented association with Epstein. A group of former Ohio State athletes, survivors of a sexual abuse scandal, argue that Wexner’s donations to the university are now “tainted” by his connection to Epstein’s financial dealings.

Their naming removal request stated, “Ohio State University cannot credibly separate itself from these facts, nor can it justify continuing to honor Les Wexner with an athletic facility…To do so is to ignore the voices of survivors.” Wexner maintains he was “duped” by Epstein, his former financial advisor, and has not been charged with any crime in connection with the case.

Harvard University Also Faces Scrutiny

Similar calls for renaming are echoing at Harvard University, specifically targeting the Leslie H. Wexner Building and the Wexner-Sunshine Lobby. Students and faculty cite Wexner’s “strong ties to Epstein” and allege that Epstein financially benefited Wexner, enabling his abusive behavior. Additionally, some are seeking the removal of the Farkas name from Farkas Hall.

Farkas' Connection to Epstein

Andrew Farkas, a Harvard graduate, had a long-standing personal and business relationship with Epstein, even co-owning a marina with him. Records show Epstein donated over $300,000 to Hasty Pudding Theatricals at Farkas’ request between 2013 and 2019. Farkas stated he “deeply regret[s] ever having met” Epstein but denies any inappropriate conduct.

A Growing Trend Across Campuses

The pushback extends beyond Ohio State and Harvard. Haverford College students recently voted to urge President Wendy Raymond to begin renaming the Allison & Howard Lutnick Library, named for a U.S. commerce secretary facing calls for resignation due to his relationship with Epstein. Tufts University is also reviewing the naming of the Tisch Library and Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center. UCLA and Stony Brook University are also facing scrutiny regarding buildings named for Epstein associates.

Echoes of the Sackler Controversy

This current wave of protests mirrors the controversy surrounding the Sackler family and their role in the opioid crisis. In both cases, institutions accepted substantial donations from individuals later linked to harmful activities. While some institutions removed the Sackler name, Harvard chose not to, citing a “complex” legacy.

Universities Weighing Their Options

Universities are navigating a delicate balance between acknowledging donor contributions and upholding ethical standards. Ohio State’s new president, Ravi Bellamkonda, assured a “thorough, fair, and open” review of each renaming request. Harvard has confirmed receipt of the Wexner-related request but has not provided further comment. Anne Bergeron, a museum consultant, noted that universities are facing a “moment of reckoning” with increasing intolerance for associations with individuals who do not represent “the best of humanity.”

Lauren Barnes, a student at Harvard’s Kennedy School and a survivor of sexual abuse, expressed the emotional toll of walking past buildings bearing Epstein’s associates’ names, stating, “I hate that anyone else has to have that feeling walking under that name.”