Workers at Ohio State's Wexner Center Demand Renaming Over Epstein Ties
At Ohio State University's Wexner Center for the Arts, the unionized group Wex Workers United is advocating for the center to be renamed, citing billionaire Les Wexner's association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, to whom he granted power of attorney. The union argues that the current name "does a profound disservice" to both artists and the community, with negative feedback from patrons impacting staff morale. This initiative comes on the heels of the Ohio Nurses Association's call to rename the Wexner Medical Center and student protests, including an April 10 demonstration where Wexner's name was obscured with a tarp. OSU spokesperson Chris Booker revealed that there have been 500 requests for renaming since Wexner faced scrutiny. Wexner, 88, has denied any knowledge of Epstein's offenses and was subpoenaed in January as a co-conspirator in Epstein's trafficking activities.
Key facts
- Unionized staff at OSU's Wexner Center for the Arts have called for renaming the institution and other campus buildings named after Les Wexner.
- Wexner granted convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein power of attorney over his fortune for decades.
- The union's statement says the name 'does a profound disservice' to artists and the community.
- A union representative said negative comments about the name are 'directly affecting our staff.'
- The Ohio Nurses Association previously demanded renaming of the Wexner Medical Center.
- Students staged a protest on April 10, covering Wexner's name on the arts center facade with a black tarp.
- OSU spokesperson Chris Booker said approximately 500 renaming requests have been filed since Wexner's deposition.
- OSU President Ted Carter said the renaming procedure 'goes after fact-finding' and cannot be based on supposition.
- Wexner has denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes and claims he terminated contact in 2007.
- Wexner was subpoenaed by the House Oversight Committee in January after an unredacted FBI document listed him as a co-conspirator.
- The union said artists are choosing not to work with the center because of the Epstein association.
- OSU has not renamed any building under its 2022 naming review procedure.
Entities
Institutions
- Wexner Center for the Arts
- Ohio State University
- Wex Workers United
- Hyperallergic
- Ohio Nurses Association
- Wexner Medical Center
- House Oversight Committee
- FBI
- L Brands
- Victoria's Secret
Locations
- Columbus
- Ohio
- United States