Eric Boggs
From an Ohio State supporter’s standpoint, transparency and integrity matter just as much as championships, which is why recent remarks from Ted Carter, president of Ohio State University, drew significant attention as he addressed ongoing scrutiny involving longtime university donor Les Wexner and his historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Speaking on WOSU’s All Sides with Amy Juravich with host Amy Juravich, Carter made clear he is monitoring developments closely after newly unsealed files from the U.S. Department of Justice mentioned Wexner as an alleged co-conspirator. He stressed that the term is only an allegation and noted Wexner has never been indicted or arrested, saying the university must take the matter seriously while also acknowledging the presumption of innocence.
Carter emphasized that he has met Wexner several times and described him and his wife, Abigail Wexner, as generous supporters whose philanthropy has benefited the institution for decades. Still, he confirmed Ohio State is following its formal review procedures after receiving hundreds of requests to reconsider building names tied to Wexner, including athletics facilities. The president underscored that decisions will follow established policy and board oversight rather than public pressure, adding the university intends to let federal investigators and members of the U.S. House of Representatives complete their work.
He also distanced himself from comments made earlier this year by former university president E. Gordon Gee, who had labeled renaming efforts as “cancel culture,” explaining he would not have used that phrasing and prefers to rely on verified facts. That measured tone reflects what many Buckeye fans expect from leadership: steady judgment rather than reactionary statements.
Carter additionally addressed a separate controversy involving Luke Perez, an assistant professor affiliated with the Salmon P. Chase Center, which was created at the direction of the Ohio Legislature to promote viewpoint diversity. After a viral video appeared to show Perez assaulting a citizen journalist, Carter said he was disturbed by the incident and confirmed the professor was placed on paid administrative leave pending investigation, stating the behavior does not reflect the university community.
The situation surrounding donor naming rights extends beyond Columbus. According to Front Office Sports, institutions including UCLA, Tufts University, and Stony Brook University are also monitoring developments tied to donors connected in some way to Epstein. None have ruled out future name changes, reflecting a national dilemma for universities balancing donor history, legal findings, and public perception.
At Ohio State, calls to remove Wexner’s name have intensified since late 2025, especially after documents indicated the FBI once examined whether he could be considered a potential co-conspirator. Artist Maria Farmer has alleged she was assaulted by Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 1996 at a property in New Albany and claimed security linked to Wexner prevented her from leaving. Wexner has denied wrongdoing and recently stated he was “naïve, foolish, and gullible” for trusting Epstein but insisted he committed no crimes.
The university reports nearly 300 formal requests seeking review of Wexner-related names remain under consideration, consistent with its 2022 naming review policy. Meanwhile, pressure from outside groups continues to mount. The Ohio Nurses Association has called for Wexner’s name to be removed across campus and organized a protest timed with the unveiling of a new tower at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
For many in Buckeye Nation, the situation is complex. Fans recognize the immense impact of philanthropy on facilities and student opportunities, yet they also want the university’s reputation to reflect accountability and strong values. Carter’s comments suggest Ohio State intends to move carefully, guided by evidence and formal governance rather than speculation—an approach that aligns with the steady leadership supporters hope to see during moments of scrutiny.
