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Ohio State Faces Surge in Removal Requests After Deposition Video Sparks Protests

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Deposition video ignites visible campus protests The release of Les Wexner’s deposition video this week prompted students to hang a 36‑foot hand‑painted banner, cross out his name on signs, and even remove the “W” from building lettering, echoing long‑standing rivalry traditions [1][2]. Activists erected the banner on the Knowlton School of Architecture on the same day Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee [2]. University staff later removed the hand‑painted sign, but the demonstrations continued across campus [1].

Nearly 300 formal requests seek to strip Wexner’s name Ohio State confirmed it had received 295 formal removal submissions through its Naming Review Procedure as of Feb. 18, a figure echoed by reports of “close to 300” requests [1][2]. Requests target the Wexner Medical Center, the Woody Hayes Athletic Complex, and other facilities bearing his name [2]. The university’s spokesperson noted several pending cases, including a resubmitted request after an earlier denial [4].

Policy demands substantial evidence and Board approval University policy states that “substantial evidence of misconduct or inappropriate behavior” is required before a name can be removed, with the Naming Review Committee forwarding recommendations to the president and Board of Trustees for final decision [1]. The Board declined to comment on any potential action, and individual trustees, including Pat Tiberi, also declined to speak [1]. The policy does not obligate the university to return donated funds even if a name is removed [1].

State officials press Wexner to resign and call for thorough inquiry Republican state Sen. Andrew Brenner urged Wexner to step down as chair of the OSU Wexner Medical Center board, arguing the controversy distracts the university [3]. Both House Speaker Matt Huffman and Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn emphasized the need for a complete investigation focused on victims [3]. Wexner denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, citing a 20‑year split after learning Epstein had stolen from him [3].

Nurses association demands name removal before new hospital opens The Ohio Nurses Association sent a letter citing an unredacted 2019 FBI document that lists Wexner as a “co‑conspirator,” urging the university to strip his name from the medical center and other sites [4]. ONA President Rick Lucas said the union must make a clear stand to assure public safety ahead of the new hospital’s scheduled opening next week [4]. The association plans a campus demonstration on Feb. 22 to pressure the university [4].

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Timeline

2019 – An unredacted FBI document from 2019 lists Les Wexner as a “co‑conspirator” in the Jeffrey Epstein case, prompting the Ohio Nurses Association to later demand his name be removed from OSU facilities [4].

2022 – Ohio State adopts a Naming Review Procedure that requires “substantial evidence of misconduct” and Board approval before any donor name can be removed, establishing the framework used for current Wexner removal requests [4].

Dec 4, 2025 – Survivors of former OSU physician Richard Strauss protest outside the Board of Trustees meeting, demanding accountability and a subpoena of former trustee Les Wexner after an independent investigation documents at least 177 abuse cases [8].

Dec 17, 2025 – A coalition of former OSU athletes publicly calls for stripping Les Wexner’s name from the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, arguing the names of Wexner and Woody Hayes cannot coexist on the same building and citing his alleged Epstein ties [7].

Jan 13, 2026 – U.S. District Judge Michael Watson rules that a subpoena can be served on Les Wexner in the Strauss class‑action, permitting delivery to his security staff, mail, or attorney after previous attempts failed [6].

Jan 20, 2026 – Former OSU athletes demand the removal of board chair John Zeiger, Wexner’s longtime attorney, citing a conflict of interest, and former wrestler Mike DiSabato urges stripping Wexner’s name from the Woody Hayes facility, linking it to the Strauss abuse scandal [5].

Feb 18, 2026 – The Ohio Nurses Association sends a letter demanding the removal of Wexner’s name from the Wexner Medical Center before the new hospital opens next week, and announces a campus demonstration for Feb 22; President Rick Lucas says the union must “make a clear, firm stand to assure the public that the hospital is safe” [4].

Feb 18, 2026 – State Sen. Andrew Brenner calls on Les Wexner to resign as chair of the OSU Wexner Medical Center board, saying the controversy distracts the university, while noting pending rename requests under the 2022 procedure [3].

Feb 19, 2026 – Students install a 36‑foot hand‑painted “Oust Wexner” banner featuring his face on the Knowlton School of Architecture on the day Wexner testifies before the House Oversight Committee, with junior Kaleb Duarte warning, “we can’t just take Leslie Wexner’s word for it…we need to look at the evidence” [2].

Feb 21, 2026 – After the deposition video circulates, Ohio State receives 295 formal requests to strip Wexner’s name from campus buildings, students cross out the “W” and erect banners, while the Board of Trustees declines to comment on any name removal [1].

Feb 25, 2026 (expected) – The new Wexner Medical Center building is slated to open, intensifying pressure on university leaders to decide whether to retain the donor’s name amid protests and pending rename requests [4].

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