(IOWA CITY, Iowa) The University of Iowa is stripping the name of casino billionaire Stephen Wynn from it's Institute for Vision Research.
Wynn, who committed 25-million dollars to the University of Iowa, has recently been the subject of sexual misconduct allegations from female casino employees.
Wynn denies the allegations.
The University of Iowa released a statement that keeping Wynn's name would damage the institution's reputation. This change is subject to approval by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa and will be the first time the UI has removed a donor name from a building or institute.
“The University of Iowa is committed to ending sexual violence and sexual misconduct and ensuring survivors know they are believed, supported, and assisted. It is incongruous with the university’s values to maintain the Wynn name on our program and building,” said UI President Bruce Harreld.
“The University of Iowa has been conducting industry-leading research and providing sight-saving patient care for 30 years. The name of the institute has changed but our commitment to finding cures for hereditary blindness is unwavering,” said Harreld.
The University says Wynn has donated $20 million toward his $25 million commitment, which he made in 2013.
“The Institute for Vision Research is conducting life-changing research that is critical to so many families suffering from inherited eye disease. This decision reinforces our commitment to the long-term health of the institute in terms of faculty and staff recruitment and retention and future philanthropic support,” said Brooks Jackson, UI vice president for medical affairs.