Ohio State University Refuses to Rename Wexner Buildings Amid Epstein Controversy
The university has decided against removing Les Wexner’s name from its buildings despite over 500 requests for a change.
Ohio State University has announced it will not remove the name of Les Wexner from its buildings, a decision made following a review that considered nine categories of allegations related to Wexner's connections to Jeffrey Epstein and other issues. This comes despite over 500 individuals petitioning for the renaming of spaces associated with Wexner, such as the Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Center for the Arts, and Les Wexner Football Complex.
The university's interim provost made the call to halt further examination of these allegations, effectively ending the possibility of renaming the buildings. Wexner, a prominent figure in the world of business and philanthropy, has donated more than $200 million to Ohio State University, including a significant $100 million gift. These substantial contributions have likely played a role in the decision to retain his name on the university's landmarks.
The decision to keep Wexner's name on the buildings is notable given the wide-ranging nature of the allegations against him. These included not only his ties to Jeffrey Epstein but also personal sexual misconduct and alleged abusive employment practices. Despite these concerns, the university has chosen to honor Wexner's legacy through the continued use of his name on its facilities.
What we know
- - Ohio State University will not remove the name of Les Wexner from its buildings. 123456
- - Over 500 people requested the renaming of spaces linked to Les Wexner. 23456
- - The decision was made after the university's interim provost decided not to proceed with a requested review. 345
- - The review covered the Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Center for the Arts, and Les Wexner Football Complex. 456
- - Nine categories of allegations were considered, focusing on Wexner's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, personal sexual misconduct, and abusive employment practices. 45
- - Wexner has donated over $200 million to Ohio State University, including a $100 million donation. 45
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 84%, weighted across 6 claims from 6 independent outlets.
- confirmed Ohio State University will not remove the name of Les Wexner from its buildings. (97%)
- confirmed Over 500 people requested the renaming of spaces linked to Les Wexner. (93%)
- likely The decision was made after the university's interim provost decided not to proceed with a requested review. (84%)
- likely The review covered the Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Center for the Arts, and Les Wexner Football Complex. (84%)
- likely Nine categories of allegations were considered, focusing on Wexner's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, personal sexual misconduct, and abusive employment practices. (70%)
- likely Wexner has donated over $200 million to Ohio State University, including a $100 million donation. (70%)
Sources
- NYT U.S. — Ohio State Will Not Remove Wexner Name From Buildings Over Epstein Ties
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/11/06/us/ohio-state-wexner-buildings-epstein.html - WKYC (Ohio) — Les Wexner's name to remain on Ohio State campus buildings despite hundreds of requests for removal
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/ohio/wexners-name-to-remain-ohio-state-campus-buildings/530-a41ac452-911a-480a-a35d-04b7580020fd - NBC4 WCMH-TV (Columbus) — Ohio State to keep Wexner name on campus spaces after provost declines further review
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/ohio-state-university/ohio-state-to-keep-wexner-name-on-campus-spaces-after-provost-declines-further-review/ - myfox28columbus.com (Franklin County) — After months-long review, Ohio State declines to remove Leslie Wexner's name
https://myfox28columbus.com/news/local/after-months-long-review-ohio-state-declines-to-remove-leslie-wexners-name - WSYX (Columbus) — After months-long review, Ohio State declines to remove Leslie Wexner's name
https://abc6onyourside.com/news/local/after-months-long-review-ohio-state-declines-to-remove-leslie-wexners-name - 10TV (Columbus) — Les Wexner's name to remain on Ohio State campus buildings despite hundreds of requests for removal
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/wexners-name-to-remain-ohio-state-campus-buildings/530-a41ac452-911a-480a-a35d-04b7580020fd