Ohio State University has agreed to a $100 million settlement with nearly 300 former students who accused campus doctor Richard Strauss of sexual assault. The settlement, ratified by the university's board, covers abuse that occurred between 1978 and 1998. This follows previous settlements and a 2019 report detailing the extent of the abuse and the university's alleged inaction.
Ohio State University has reached a $100 million settlement with nearly 300 former students who accused the school's campus doctor, Richard Strauss, of sexual assault. The settlement, ratified by the university's board on Wednesday, involves 279 of the 280 former students who brought forth accusations. The alleged abuse occurred over a two-decade period, from 1978 to 1998, when Strauss retired. Strauss, who died by suicide in 2005, was employed by the university's athletic department and medical staff for nearly 20 years. A 2019 investigative report detailed that Strauss had sexually abused at least 177 men, primarily students, under the guise of medical examinations, and indicated that university staff were aware of the abuse but failed to act. This new settlement follows earlier agreements, with the university having reached eight additional settlements in February, bringing the total to 304 survivors and over $60 million in settlements prior to this latest agreement. Over 500 plaintiffs had sued Ohio State, alleging deliberate indifference to the abuse.
This significant settlement addresses decades of alleged sexual abuse, highlighting institutional responsibility and the long-lasting impact on survivors. It also represents a substantial financial resolution for the university amidst ongoing legal challenges.