Protesters demand removal of Wexner’s name from new hospital tower on opening day

Calls for the renaming of the Wexner Medical Center’s new hospital tower echoed outside the facility on a Sunday afternoon, as a group of more than 100 protesters demanded that Les Wexner’s name be removed from the building and all other structures on Ohio State University’s campus. Led by the Ohio Nurses Association and survivors of Dr. Richard Strauss, the protest coincided with the hospital’s opening day.

The demonstrators emphasized the importance of survivors over donor legacy and urged the university to take responsibility and action in light of recent events. Les Wexner, the founder of L Brands and chairman of the medical center, has faced scrutiny for his longstanding association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite Wexner’s claims of being misled by Epstein and unaware of his misdeeds, concerns persist over his ties to the disgraced financier.

Dr. Richard Strauss, a former physician at Ohio State, was found to have sexually abused at least 177 students, primarily male athletes, between 1978 and 1998. Following his death by suicide in 2005, Ohio State became embroiled in a class-action lawsuit for its mishandling of the abuse allegations. Survivors of Strauss have been vocal in their demand for Wexner’s name to be removed from campus buildings, particularly the medical centers, in light of the university’s purported failure to address the issue adequately.

Steve Snyder-Hill, a survivor of Strauss and a party to the class-action lawsuit, lamented Ohio State’s reluctance to heed their calls, emphasizing the university’s obligation to address future instances of sexual assault promptly and effectively. Rick Lewis, president of the Ohio Nurses Association, decried the university’s response to the renaming request, stressing the significance of trust, safety, and survivor advocacy.

Ohio State, through spokesperson Marti Leitch, reiterated its commitment to free speech and acknowledged the protesters’ concerns, affirming that investigatory processes were underway. Despite the demonstration, the medical center continued its operations, prioritizing patient care above all else. Wexner, a substantial donor to Ohio State, has contributed significant sums to the institution, though Lewis underscored that the university’s success and reputation are inherently tied to its community of students and patients.

The protest drew a diverse crowd, including faculty members, students, and representatives from various organizations. Calls for the removal of Wexner’s name from campus buildings reiterate a broader desire for accountability and transparency at Ohio State. The aim is not merely to erase a name but to symbolize a fundamental shift towards justice and reform within the university community.

Looking ahead, advocates are resolute in their mission to remove Wexner’s name as a symbolic gesture of accountability and reform. The drive to effect change within the university community remains unwavering, with students, faculty, and survivors united in their call for justice and institutional integrity.