The Ohio State University has finalized settlements with eight more survivors in the ongoing cases tied to Richard Strauss, a university-employed physician accused of sexual abuse during his tenure from 1978 to 1998. These agreements, as reported by the university, have brought the total compensation to over $60 million, covering more than 304 survivors – marking a significant milestone in one of the largest sexual misconduct litigations in academic history.
According to the settlement details released on February 5th, the university has agreed to pay a total of $800,000, with each of the eight survivors receiving $100,000. These latest settlements add to the series of agreements made over the past years, with no taxpayer, tuition, or restricted donor funds used for these purposes – a point which the institution has keenly highlighted.
The victims have, as part of their agreement with Ohio State, opted to dismiss their claims against the university, a common resolution in these cases. However, "these agreements do not prohibit individuals from talking about Strauss’ abuse publicly," Ohio State stipulated in their announcement, underlining a transparency that allows survivors to speak out on the abuse they endured.
Outside of the legal proceedings, Ohio State emphasizes a commitment to supporting survivors through non-monetary means as well. Since 2019, the university has covered the cost of counseling services and other treatments, including for the families of the victims, along with reimbursing previously incurred expenses for the same. These services, managed by Praesidium, do not require any contact with the university and maintain the survivors' confidentiality.
Following the allegations against Strauss, which surfaced in March 2018 through a report from a former student-athlete, Ohio State News initiated an independent investigation. The university maintains a stance of not tolerating sexual misconduct and emphasizes the availability of resources for those needing to report such incidents.
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