Colleges and universities across the United States are facing increasing calls to remove the names of prominent donors linked to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, as students and faculty question whether those associations align with institutional values.

The largest push has emerged at Ohio State University, where protests have intensified over buildings bearing the name of billionaire Les Wexner, the school’s largest donor. Wexner, an alumnus, has been identified in government documents as a potential associate of Epstein but has denied wrongdoing. In prior testimony, he said he had been misled by Epstein, and a spokesman stated he was informed in 2019 that he was not a target of any federal investigation.

Similar concerns are being raised at Harvard University, where students and faculty at the Harvard Kennedy School have formally requested the removal of Wexner’s name from campus spaces, arguing that its presence sends the wrong institutional message and raises concerns for members of the community.

At Haverford College in Pennsylvania, students have called for the removal of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s name from a library following scrutiny of his past association with Epstein. Lutnick has said he cut ties with Epstein after an early encounter, but later acknowledged visiting Epstein’s private island years after Epstein’s criminal conviction. College leadership has said the matter is under review.

At Tufts University, student publications have urged administrators to remove the name of film producer Steve Tisch from campus buildings, citing his past association with Epstein. Tisch has denied any misconduct and described the relationship as limited.

The renewed scrutiny follows the Justice Department’s release of documents earlier this year detailing Epstein’s connections with numerous high-profile figures. While many individuals named have not been accused of crimes, the disclosures have intensified pressure on universities to reassess donor recognition.

University officials have largely stopped short of immediate action, noting that renaming buildings often involves formal review processes, trustee approval, and potential legal or financial implications. At Ohio State, administrators said hundreds of requests related to the Wexner name have been submitted and are under consideration.