Protests at US Universities Seek Removal of Epstein-Associated Names from Buildings

Protests have occurred at multiple US universities in recent months, focusing on the removal of names from campus buildings associated with individuals appearing in files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein, a financier convicted of sex trafficking who died in 2019, maintained connections with various figures in business, arts, and academia.

These protests reflect broader scrutiny of university donors and academics whose communications with Epstein have surfaced in recently released documents.

At Ohio State University, demonstrations have targeted buildings named for Les Wexner, a billionaire retail executive and the university's alumnus. Wexner has stated that Epstein, his former financial advisor, duped him, and he has not been charged with any crimes related to Epstein.

A group of former Ohio State athletes, who experienced a separate sexual abuse scandal at the school, submitted a request to remove Wexner's name from the Les Wexner Football Complex, citing his financial ties to Epstein as tainting the donation.

The athletes' request stated that the university cannot separate itself from these associations and must demonstrate accountability. It emphasized the need for transparency and moral leadership in honoring donors. The request is progressing through Ohio State University's five-step review process, which includes non-public steps and no fixed timeline.

Requests at Harvard University At Harvard University, a group of students and faculty from the Kennedy School has requested the renaming of the Leslie H.

Wexner Building and the Wexner-Sunshine Lobby. Harvard officials confirmed receipt of the request but provided no further comment.

Separately, some Harvard students and alumni seek to remove the Farkas name from Farkas Hall, which hosts the Hasty Pudding Theatricals events. The building was renamed in 2011 after a donation from Andrew Farkas, who had a personal and business relationship with Epstein, including co-ownership of a Caribbean marina.

Farkas also solicited donations from Epstein to the Hasty Pudding Institute between 2013 and 2019, totaling more than $300,000.