The long-awaited trial of Scott Shaw, San Jose State University's former head athletic trainer accused of sexually assaulting numerous female athletes for more than a decade, is finally starting, providing a long-overdue moment for the survivors who have been fighting for justice and battling against cover-ups and institutional failures according to the Mercury News.

Shaw faces trial on six federal civil rights charges, standing accused of sexual assault during treatments as far back as 2009. This scandal has left an indelible stain on the university, leading to the downfall of a university president, the athletic director, and sparking a federal investigation that issued a scathing report costing the university millions in legal settlements.

Despite the long years of suffering, many survivors, now in their 30s, remain committed to seeking justice and uncovering the truth of what happened at San Jose State. A series of alarming and grievous allegations has emerged, extending beyond the women's swim team and highlighting a widespread history of abuse involving women's water polo, soccer, volleyball, and softball teams as reported in USA Today.

Kirsten Trammell, one of the first victims to come forward in 2009, said, “I can’t believe that it’s finally here after so many years of waiting and fighting for this moment to come.” For her, this criminal trial is important for taking action against Scott Shaw himself, a man who managed to maintain his position within the university for an additional 11 years after allegations first cropped up according to the Mercury News.

The case of Larry Nassar, another sports medicine doctor now serving a life sentence, echoes the situation involving Shaw and demonstrates a cultural issue that often seeks to discredit or ignore women who come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct.

During the scandal, the university leadership botched investigations and failed to address allegations. As far back as 2009, 17 members of San Jose State’s swimming and diving team told their coach of Shaw's inappropriate touching. However, an investigation by the school cleared Shaw of wrongdoing and concluded his actions were legitimate medical treatments. Even after years of allegations and concerns raised by students and authorities alike, little action was taken while Shaw continued to work at the university according to the Los Angeles Times.

As Shaw's trial is set to begin and voices from the past come forward to speak out, there is hope that the truth will finally emerge, providing closure and resolutions for the victims and pushing the university to recognize its failures and improve its systems for the future. With the survivors and witnesses prepared to testify, it is time for institutions to take a hard look at their shortcomings and learn from the San Jose State scandal.

In a statement acknowledging the upcoming trial, San Jose State's new President, Cynthia Teniente-Matson, said, "We anticipate testimony that will likely be painful and difficult to digest. We hope that the legal process and eventual outcome will bring some measure of healing to those who were harmed."