Ohio State students, health care workers demand removal of Les Wexner’s name from campus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — There are calls to remove Les Wexner’s name from Ohio State University campus facilities, including the medical center.

Wexner’s name is throughout campus on The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the Wexner Center for the Arts, buses, street signs, and more.

“I’m not very surprised about it, but it does make me really uncomfortable,” said Shaela Davis, an OSU graduate student.

“Definitely sad and also disappointed,” said an OSU student.

Several students told ABC 6/FOX 28 that they want Wexner’s name removed from campus due to allegations about his involvement with convicted sex offender and his former finance manager, Jeffrey Epstein. Wexner continues to deny any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity when the two had contact.

“I think that would be the best option at this point,” said an OSU student.

“To think of like so many women and children that were victims in that situation, and then to have someone, a big name as Wexner, to have them tied to that, that makes me really uncomfortable,” Davis said.

The concerns do not stop with students. Nurses and healthcare workers are also calling on university leaders to remove Wexner’s name from campus facilities.

“We’re using our platform to fight for what’s right and to fight for accountability,” said Rick Lucas, a nurse at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and President of the Ohio Nurses Association.

Lucas sent a letter to OSU President Ted Carter and the Board of Trustees on February 17 on behalf of several healthcare unions. It demands that they remove Wexner’s name from all campus facilities.

“We have moral, ethical, and legal obligations as mandated reporters,” said Lucas. “Those are driving us to take this, this hard line stance that the hospital needs to drop the Wexner name.”

Wexner and Limited Brands Foundation donated, raised, or pledged nearly $200 million dollars total to Ohio State, before February 17, 2011, according to the university. A $100 million commitment in February of 2011 mainly went toward The Ohio State University Medical Center and The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute.

A university spokesperson said there is a naming review procedure. The spokesperson added that there are pending requests related to Wexner’s name, and each request receives full consideration.

“Protecting vulnerable people is not optional, even when it’s uncomfortable, even when the people that you’re trying to hold accountable are rich and powerful,” Lucas said.

If the university does not remove Wexner’s name by February 22, the union will be holding an informational picket, according to Lucas.

“I hope that the name will get removed, because that to me shows that the campus is in solidarity and is protecting those women and the children that went through that,” Davis said.

ABC 6/FOX 28 reached out to Wexner’s attorneys and asked for a response to the demands from nurses and students. This story will be updated when a response is received.