COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has approved a preliminary $100 million settlement with nearly 300 survivors who accused former university physician Richard Strauss of sexual abuse, bringing one of the largest campus abuse cases in U.S. history closer to resolution.
The agreement covers 279 of the 280 remaining plaintiffs who continued pursuing federal lawsuits against the university. If finalized, the settlement would resolve nearly all outstanding litigation connected to allegations that Strauss sexually abused students and athletes during his two decades at Ohio State.
Strauss worked at the university from 1978 until 1998 and served as a physician for multiple athletic programs. An independent investigation released in 2019 concluded that he abused at least 177 male students under the guise of medical examinations and found that university officials were aware of concerns about his conduct but failed to take effective action.
The new settlement follows previous agreements totaling more than $61 million paid to 317 survivors. Combined, Ohio State’s financial settlements related to the Strauss scandal now exceed $161 million.
University officials have repeatedly apologized to survivors and acknowledged that the institution failed to adequately protect students. The litigation has remained active for years as additional former students and athletes came forward with allegations.
The case has also drawn attention to former Ohio State wrestling personnel, including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who served as an assistant wrestling coach during part of Strauss’s tenure. Jordan has consistently denied knowing about the abuse despite allegations from some former wrestlers and testimony from former athletic officials suggesting concerns were widely known.
The settlement still requires final court approval but is expected to bring closure to most of the remaining legal claims against the university.
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