Ohio Governor Defends Keeping Wexner Name on OSU Buildings

DeWine says no evidence of wrongdoing by Wexner despite ties to Jeffrey Epstein

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has defended keeping the Wexner name on buildings at Ohio State University, despite the ties between Les Wexner and the late Jeffrey Epstein. DeWine stated that there is no evidence Wexner committed any wrongdoing, and that he has been a prominent community member who has donated significantly to the university. However, the OSU nurses' union and hundreds of requests from students, faculty, staff and alumni have called for the removal of the Wexner name.

Why it matters

The Wexner name is prominently displayed on several key buildings at Ohio State University, including the Wexner Medical Center, due to Wexner's past donations and leadership roles. But Wexner's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has raised concerns and calls for the name to be removed, highlighting the complex issues around honoring major donors whose personal conduct has come under scrutiny.

The details

Ohio State University is set to open a new $1 billion, 26-story inpatient tower at the Wexner Medical Center this Sunday. Wexner, the founder of L Brands, has had his name on the medical center for 16 years due to his $100 million donation in 2011. His name is also on the Wexner Center for the Arts on campus. While Wexner has said he was "conned" by Epstein, who became his personal financial advisor in the 1980s, there are still calls to remove Wexner's name from OSU buildings due to the association.

  • The new $1 billion inpatient tower at the Wexner Medical Center is set to open on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Wexner's name has been on the Wexner Medical Center for 16 years, since his $100 million donation in 2011.

The players

Mike DeWine

The Governor of Ohio who has defended keeping the Wexner name on Ohio State University buildings.

Les Wexner

The founder of L Brands retail company, who had a close association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner's name is prominently displayed on several OSU buildings due to his past donations.

Ohio State University

The public research university in Columbus, Ohio, which has the Wexner name on several of its buildings and facilities.

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What they’re saying

“There is no evidence that I'm aware of that he has done anything wrong. And every article you see, newspapers are careful.”

— Mike DeWine, Governor of Ohio (Politico)

“He was a con man. And while I was conned, I have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide.”

— Les Wexner (Written statement to House Committee on Oversight and Government)

What’s next

The university has established a procedure for students, faculty, staff and alumni to submit requests to change the Wexner name on campus buildings. As of Wednesday, 295 such requests had been submitted and are currently under review by the university.

The takeaway

The debate over whether to remove the Wexner name from Ohio State University buildings highlights the complex issues universities face when major donors' personal conduct comes under scrutiny. While the governor defends keeping the name, the university community has raised concerns and submitted hundreds of requests for change, underscoring the need for careful consideration of donor naming policies.