University of Iowa Will Drop Steve Wynn’s Name From Major Institute He Funded
Steve Wynn Image by Getty
By Ari Feldman February 1, 2018
The University of Iowa says it is planning to remove Steve Wynn’s name from a major institute on its campus in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against him, the Washington Post reported. In January, the Wall Street Journal reported that Wynn had pressured employees into sex.
In 2013, the University of Iowa unveiled the newly renamed Stephen A. Wynn Institute for Vision Research. Wynn had made $25 million commitment to the school to support the institute. Wynn has hereditary blindness.
“University leadership determined retaining the name would be damaging to the institution’s reputation following recent allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Wynn,” the University of Iowa said in a statement on Wednesday.
The statement added that the renaming of the vision institute was “in recognition of the gift, and not a condition of the gift.” The statement also said that Wynn had so far donated $20 million to the institute.
The day after the Journal’s story broke, Wynn resigned as chairman of the Republican Finance Committee.
Contact Ari Feldman at [email protected] or on Twitter @aefeldman
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
