Ohio State University has agreed to a $100 million settlement with 279 former students who reported being sexually abused by Dr. Richard Strauss, a campus doctor. This agreement is part of a series of legal actions against the university, which has been ongoing for eight years in the Southern District of Ohio.

Settlement Details

The settlement involves five active federal lawsuits, with only one former student not signing the agreement. Details are still being finalized, and a special master will soon interview the involved men to determine individual compensation based on the harm they suffered.

OSU President Ravi Bellamkonda expressed gratitude to the survivors for their courage in coming forward, emphasizing the importance of reaching a final resolution. This settlement follows a previous agreement where OSU paid over $61 million to 317 other survivors.

Background of the Case

Dr. Strauss, who passed away in 2005, was accused of abusing male athletes and other students from the mid-1970s to the late 1990s. An independent investigation by the law firm Perkins Coie, commissioned by OSU, confirmed that Strauss abused at least 177 male athletes and that university officials were aware but took no action for two decades.

Former OSU wrestler Mike DiSabato was instrumental in bringing these allegations to light in 2018. His efforts led to the investigation and subsequent legal actions against the university.

Involvement of Public Figures

Among those implicated in the case is U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, a Republican congressman from Ohio and former assistant wrestling coach at OSU. He has been accused by DiSabato and others of failing to act on the abuse allegations. Jordan has consistently denied any knowledge of Strauss’s actions, despite testimony suggesting otherwise.

Jordan’s deposition in the lawsuits remains sealed, and he has not commented on the recent settlement.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.