Ohio State University to Pay $100 Million in Sexual Abuse Settlement
The settlement resolves claims from 279 former students who alleged sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, a university physician employed from the mid-1970s until 1998.
Ohio State University has agreed to pay $100 million to settle claims from 279 former students who alleged sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss, a physician employed by the university. The settlement, ratified by the university's Board of Trustees, resolves multiple federal lawsuits filed in the Southern District of Ohio. One plaintiff did not join the agreement.
Background
Dr. Richard Strauss worked at Ohio State University from the mid-1970s until his retirement in 1998. He also operated an off-campus clinic during his tenure.
A 2019 independent investigation by the law firm Perkins Coie concluded that Strauss sexually abused at least 177 male athletes and other students between 1978 and 1998. The investigation found that university personnel were aware of complaints regarding Strauss's conduct as early as 1979 but did not intervene. Strauss died by suicide in 2005.
Settlement Details
- The university will pay $100 million to 279 plaintiffs. One plaintiff did not sign the agreement.
- A special master will interview each claimant to determine individual harm and corresponding compensation amounts.
- The settlement covers abuse that occurred between 1978 and 1998.
Prior Settlements
Prior to this agreement, Ohio State had settled claims with 317 other survivors for over $61 million.
Statements
"The survivors of the Strauss abuse are all Buckeyes. We continue to be very grateful to them for their courage in coming forward, and reaching a final resolution is very important to us and is an important step forward."
— Ohio State University President Ravi Bellamkonda
Related Developments
Former Ohio State wrestling coach and current U.S. Representative Jim Jordan has been accused by former wrestlers of knowing about the abuse and not acting. Jordan has denied knowledge of the abuse. Former athletic director Andy Geiger testified in a deposition that Jordan "probably knew" of the abuse. Jordan's deposition remains sealed, and he did not respond to requests for comment on the settlement.