Ohio State Faces Calls to Remove Wexner's Name, Funding Ties

Growing number of groups, politicians demand university distance itself from billionaire philanthropist over alleged Epstein links

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A growing number of groups, politicians, and individuals are calling for Ohio State University to remove Les Wexner's name from its buildings and stop accepting his donations, citing the billionaire philanthropist's alleged ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner's name is on several prominent OSU facilities, including the medical center and football complex, due to his extensive donations to the university over the years. However, Wexner's relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, has come under increased scrutiny, leading to demands that OSU distance itself from the retail magnate.

Why it matters

Wexner's deep ties to Ohio State, both financially and through the naming of university facilities, have made him a prominent figure in Columbus. The calls to remove his name and funding reflect growing concerns about his alleged association with Epstein and the impact it may have on the university's reputation and values.

The details

Wexner, the current chair of the Wexner Medical Center Board, has donated millions to Ohio State, including a $100 million gift, the largest single donation in the university's history. However, Wexner's relationship with Epstein, who was his long-time power of attorney, has come under intense scrutiny. Epstein was first arrested in 2006 and pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring and soliciting a child for prostitution. Wexner has said he severed ties with Epstein after the 2008 charges, but members of Congress have accused him of downplaying their relationship.

  • Epstein was first arrested in 2006.
  • Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring and soliciting a child for prostitution.
  • Epstein's death was ruled a suicide in 2019.
  • Wexner testified before a congressional committee at his New Albany home on February 18, 2026.

The players

Les Wexner

A billionaire philanthropist and the current chair of the Wexner Medical Center Board at Ohio State University. Wexner has donated millions to the university, including its largest single donation of $100 million.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges. Epstein was Wexner's long-time power of attorney.

Ted Carter

The president of Ohio State University, who has said he is monitoring developments related to Wexner and Epstein.

Bill DeMora

A Democratic state senator who, along with Rep. Christine Cockley, called for Ohio State to "completely separate itself from not only Wexner, but anyone on the current board of trustees who has ties to him."

Christine Cockley

A Democratic state representative who, along with Sen. Bill DeMora, called for Ohio State to "completely separate itself from not only Wexner, but anyone on the current board of trustees who has ties to him."

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What they’re saying

“The path forward is clear, but it requires leadership willing to make difficult choices. At minimum: Ohio State has received hundreds of new calls to remove Wexner's name from its buildings.”

— Bill DeMora and Christine Cockley, State Senator and State Representative (The Dispatch)

“From my point of view, he died. I didn't even want to think about it.”

— Les Wexner (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The judge in Wexner's congressional testimony will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to continue serving on the Wexner Medical Center Board.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the complex ethical dilemmas facing universities when prominent donors and benefactors are linked to controversial or criminal figures. Ohio State must carefully weigh its financial interests against its institutional values and reputation in determining how to proceed with Wexner's ongoing involvement and funding.