Ohio State trustees OK $100M settlement with hundreds of former students abused by doctor

Ohio State University’s Board of Trustees approved a $100 million settlement on Wednesday to resolve legal claims from hundreds of former student athletes who allege they were sexually abused by Dr. Richard Strauss during his tenure at the university from 1978 to 1998. Strauss, who also operated an off-campus clinic, died in 2005, but lawsuits filed since 2018 accused Ohio State of failing to prevent the abuse despite knowing about complaints as early as 1979. The settlement covers all but one of the 280 survivors still involved in pending litigation, marking a potential conclusion to years of legal battles. Ohio State President Ravi Bellamkonda acknowledged the survivors’ courage and emphasized the university’s gratitude for their bravery in coming forward. A joint statement from the university and plaintiffs thanked mediators for facilitating the agreement, with details still under finalization. This follows an earlier settlement in 2022, where Ohio State paid over $61 million to 317 survivors, many of whom signed confidentiality agreements to keep their identities private. Some victims included former NFL players, according to legal representatives. An independent report previously revealed that university staff ignored multiple complaints about Strauss for decades, allowing the abuse to continue unchecked. The settlement reflects a broader effort by Ohio State to address historical failures in protecting students and provides financial closure for survivors. The university has expressed commitment to supporting the victims while moving forward from this dark chapter in its history.