Calls Grow at Harvard to Remove Les Wexner’s Name From Buildings Over Epstein Ties
By Ibrahim Khalil, World Editor
Cambridge, MA – A growing chorus of Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) students and faculty are demanding the removal of billionaire Leslie H. Wexner’s name from the school’s central building and a prominent lobby, citing his long-standing ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The formal request, submitted on Friday, March 14, 2026, marks the first time Harvard’s official denaming process has been invoked regarding Wexner’s association with the university.
Formal Denaming Request Filed
The proposal calls for stripping Wexner’s name from the Leslie H. Wexner Building, the main building at the Kennedy School, and the Wexner Sunshine Lobby, the school’s primary entrance atrium. A group comprising Kennedy School professors and student leaders filed the request under Harvard’s denaming framework, which initiates a review process that can span several months. The Harvard Crimson first reported the story.
Wexner’s Relationship with Epstein
Wexner employed Epstein for over two decades to manage his personal finances, beginning in 1987. He was Epstein’s most significant financial client, granting him power of attorney in 1991. Wexner has stated he severed ties with Epstein in 2007, following Epstein’s guilty plea to soliciting prostitution, and accused Epstein of misappropriating over $46 million from his fortune. WCVB reports that Wexner testified before Congress in February 2026, describing Epstein as a “master manipulator” who concealed his crimes.
Concerns Over Institutional Tolerance
Proponents of the denaming argue that maintaining Wexner’s name on the Kennedy School building “acts as an inadvertent signal of institutional tolerance toward his behavior.” The proposal, as published by The Harvard Crimson, asserts that the continued association undermines Harvard’s credibility on issues of gender justice and abuse of power, and contradicts the University’s stated values.
Harvard’s History with Denaming Requests
This proposal is the third major request Harvard has received in recent years to remove controversial names from its buildings. Previous attempts have met with limited success. The University previously declined to rename buildings associated with Arthur M. Sackler, despite concerns over the Sackler family’s role in the opioid epidemic. A request to remove the name of John Winthrop, a colonial governor who owned slaves, resulted in only a partial change – the building is now referred to as “Winthrop House.”
Broader Scrutiny Following Epstein Files Release
The renewed scrutiny of Wexner’s ties to Epstein follows the January 30, 2026, release of millions of pages of court documents related to the Epstein case. These files implicated numerous wealthy and influential figures, leading to increased public pressure and, in some cases, resignations from prominent positions. Forbes notes that several individuals named in the released documents have faced increased scrutiny, though none have been formally charged with crimes.
Wexner’s Financial Standing
As of Monday, March 16, 2026, Forbes estimates Leslie H. Wexner’s net worth at $8.9 billion.