Quick Answer: On June 3, 2026, Ohio State University’s Board of Trustees approved a $100 million settlement with 279 survivors of sexual abuse committed by former team physician Dr. Richard Strauss. Combined with earlier agreements, OSU has now paid more than $160 million to over 600 survivors, making this one of the largest university sex abuse settlements in American history. [1][2]
Key Takeaways
- Ohio State University’s Board of Trustees approved a $100 million settlement on June 3, 2026, covering 279 of the 280 remaining federal plaintiffs. [1]
- The abuse was carried out by Dr. Richard Strauss, a team physician who worked at OSU from 1978 to 1998.
- A 2019 independent investigation found Strauss abused at least 177 male students, though the total number of survivors has grown well beyond that figure. [3]
- University staff received complaints about Strauss as early as 1979 but failed to take action for nearly two decades. [3]
- OSU has now settled with more than 600 survivors total, with total compensation exceeding $160 million. [2]
- Former assistant wrestling coach and current U.S. Representative Jim Jordan has denied knowledge of the abuse, but testimony from a former athletic director suggests he “probably knew.” [5]
- In May 2026, 30 former OSU football players, including NFL veterans, joined a new federal lawsuit alleging Strauss abused them. [5]
- OSU has offered free counseling and medical services to survivors since 2019, with no requirement to contact the university directly. [3]
- A small number of survivors continue to pursue legal action beyond the settlement. [4]
How Did the Ohio State University Sex Abuse Scandal Start?
The Ohio State University sex abuse scandal centers on Dr. Richard Strauss, a physician who worked for the university from 1978 until his retirement in 1998. Strauss served as a team doctor for multiple OSU athletic programs and also treated students at the university’s student health center.
Survivors began coming forward publicly around 2018, prompting OSU to commission an independent investigation. That investigation, completed in 2019, confirmed what many survivors had long known: Strauss had used his medical position to conduct unnecessary and invasive physical examinations as a pretext for sexual abuse. [3]
The scale of what investigators uncovered was staggering:
- Strauss abused at least 177 male students across more than a dozen sports programs
- The abuse spanned 20 years, from 1978 to 1998
- University staff received complaints as early as 1979 but took no meaningful action
- Strauss died by suicide in 2005, before the full scope of his crimes became public [3]
The failure wasn’t just one person’s wrongdoing. It was an institutional breakdown, where complaints were ignored, minimized, or buried for decades.
Who Was Dr. Richard Strauss, and How Long Did the Abuse Continue?
Dr. Richard Strauss was a sports medicine physician employed by Ohio State University for roughly two decades. He worked directly with student athletes across multiple sports, giving him regular, unsupervised access to young men during medical exams.
The abuse continued from 1978 to 1998, a span of 20 years. That’s not a brief lapse in oversight. That’s a systemic failure that persisted across multiple university administrations, athletic directors, and coaching staffs. [3]
Key facts about the duration and scope:
- Complaints about Strauss were documented internally as early as 1979
- Despite those complaints, Strauss remained employed and retained access to students
- The abuse affected athletes in sports including wrestling, swimming, gymnastics, and football
- Strauss also treated non-athlete students at the campus health center [3]
The 2019 independent report concluded that university officials were aware of the concerns but failed to protect students. That finding became the legal foundation for hundreds of lawsuits.
Who Was Responsible for Covering Up the Abuse at Ohio State?
The independent investigation found that multiple university employees knew about complaints against Strauss and failed to act. [3] This wasn’t a single bad actor working in isolation.
One of the most politically charged questions involves U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach at OSU from 1987 to 1995. Jordan has repeatedly and firmly denied knowing about Strauss’s abuse. [5]
However, deposition testimony from former OSU athletic director Andy Geiger stated that Jordan “probably knew” about the misconduct. [5] Jordan has not faced criminal charges, but the allegations have followed him throughout his political career.
In May 2026, 30 former OSU football players, including several NFL veterans, filed a new federal lawsuit. Some of those players publicly stated that Jordan was aware of the abuse during his time as a coach. [5] Jordan again denied the claims.
The broader question of institutional accountability remains unresolved. OSU has apologized and paid settlements, but no university official has faced criminal prosecution for the cover-up.
What Legal Steps Did Survivors Take to Get This Settlement?
Getting to a $100 million settlement required years of legal battles, including a significant fight just to keep the cases alive in court. [4]
Here’s how the legal process unfolded:
- 2018: Survivors began publicly coming forward; OSU commissioned an independent investigation.
- 2019: Independent report confirmed widespread abuse and institutional failures. OSU revoked Strauss’s emeritus status. [3]
- Multiple lawsuits filed: Hundreds of survivors filed federal civil rights claims against OSU under Title IX and other legal theories.
- Initial dismissal: A federal trial court dismissed Title IX claims, ruling they were filed too late.
- Appeals court reversal: A divided U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit allowed the claims to proceed, a critical win for survivors. [4]
- Ongoing mediation: OSU participated in mediation with plaintiffs, leading to multiple settlement agreements.
- June 3, 2026: OSU’s Board of Trustees approved the $100 million settlement covering 279 survivors. [1]
The appeals court ruling was pivotal. Without it, many survivors might have had their cases thrown out entirely on procedural grounds.
How Much Money Will Each Survivor Receive From the Settlement?
The $100 million settlement covers 279 survivors, but individual payouts will vary. The settlement does not specify a flat per-person amount. Compensation is typically distributed based on factors like the severity of abuse, documented harm, and individual circumstances negotiated during mediation. [1]
For context:
- $100 million divided equally among 279 survivors would average roughly $358,000 per person
- In practice, individual amounts will differ based on case specifics
- Earlier settlements also varied by individual circumstances [2]
OSU has settled with more than 600 survivors in total, with overall compensation exceeding $160 million across all agreements. [2] That broader figure means some survivors received settlements in earlier rounds, before this June 2026 agreement.
Are There More Survivors Who Might Come Forward?
Yes. One survivor from the most recent group declined to join the settlement, and a small number of survivors continue to pursue legal action independently. [1]
In May 2026, 30 former OSU football players joined a new federal lawsuit, signaling that the litigation is not fully over. [5] Some of those players had not previously been part of the settled cases.
The nature of institutional sexual abuse means that some survivors take years, or even decades, to come forward. Shame, fear of not being believed, and the psychological weight of trauma all create barriers to reporting. The fact that new plaintiffs emerged in 2026, more than 25 years after the abuse ended, reflects that reality.
Can Survivors Sue for Additional Damages Beyond This Settlement?
Survivors who accept the settlement typically agree to release the university from further claims related to Strauss’s abuse. That’s standard in civil settlements. However, a small number of survivors have chosen not to settle and are continuing their legal cases. [1][4]
The Sixth Circuit’s ruling that Title IX claims could proceed was significant because it kept the door open for survivors whose cases might otherwise have been dismissed. [4] Those who didn’t settle retain the right to pursue their claims in court, though litigation carries its own risks and timelines.
What Changes Has Ohio State Made to Prevent Future Abuse?
OSU has taken several steps since the scandal became public, though critics argue the university moved too slowly and only after significant public and legal pressure. [3]
Actions OSU has taken include:
- Revoking Strauss’s emeritus status in 2019 [3]
- Commissioning and publishing an independent investigation report
- Issuing formal apologies to survivors
- Offering free counseling and medical services to survivors and their families since 2019 [3]
- Participating in mediation to reach financial settlements
- Reviewing and updating policies around student health and athletic medicine oversight
The free counseling program is worth highlighting. Since 2019, OSU has provided professionally certified mental health services and medical treatment to survivors at no cost. Survivors don’t need to contact the university directly to access these services. [3]
What Support Services Are Available for Survivors?
Survivors of Strauss’s abuse can access free, professionally certified counseling and medical treatment provided through OSU’s survivor support program. These services have been available since 2019 and require no direct contact with the university to use. [3]
Survivors and their families can also reach out to:
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 1in6.org: A nonprofit specifically supporting male survivors of sexual abuse
- Local mental health providers covered through settlement-related support funds
How Does This Settlement Compare to Other University Abuse Cases?
The Ohio State University settlement is one of the largest in the history of American higher education, though it’s not the only major case of its kind.
| University | Abuser | Survivors Compensated | Total Settlement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ohio State University | Dr. Richard Strauss | 600+ | $160+ million [2] |
| Michigan State University | Dr. Larry Nassar | 500+ | $500 million (est.) |
| University of Southern California | Dr. George Tyndall | 700+ | $1.1 billion |
| University of Michigan | Dr. Robert Anderson | 1,000+ | $490 million |
OSU’s total payout is significant, but the per-survivor amounts are lower than some comparable cases. Each settlement reflects different legal circumstances, the number of plaintiffs, and the severity of documented harm.
What these cases share is a common thread: institutional failure. In every instance, university officials received warnings, complaints, or red flags and chose not to act. Students paid the price.
Why Did It Take So Long for the University to Address These Claims?
OSU received complaints about Strauss as early as 1979, yet he remained employed for nearly 20 more years. [3] After his retirement and death, it took another decade before survivors’ voices were heard publicly.
Several factors contributed to the delay:
- Institutional self-protection: Universities have strong financial and reputational incentives to suppress abuse allegations
- Power imbalances: Student athletes depended on coaches and team doctors for their athletic futures
- Cultural silence around male victimization: Male survivors of sexual abuse face additional stigma that discourages reporting
- Legal barriers: Courts initially ruled some claims were filed too late, creating procedural obstacles for survivors [4]
- Political complexity: The involvement of a sitting member of Congress added layers of sensitivity to the investigation
The Sixth Circuit’s decision to allow Title IX claims to proceed was a turning point. It sent a clear message that procedural technicalities shouldn’t shield institutions from accountability for decades of harm.
Conclusion: Justice Delayed, But Not Denied
The $100 million settlement between Ohio State University and nearly 300 sex abuse survivors is a hard-won milestone, not a finish line. Over 600 survivors have now received some form of financial acknowledgment for what was done to them, and what the university failed to prevent. [1][2]
But financial settlements don’t erase two decades of institutional failure. They don’t undo the harm. And they don’t answer every question about who knew what and when.
What this case demands from all of us:
- Hold universities and institutions accountable when they prioritize reputation over student safety
- Support survivors who come forward, especially male survivors who face unique cultural barriers to reporting
- Demand transparency from institutions that receive public funding and public trust
- Pay attention to the political dimensions of this case, including ongoing questions about what public officials knew and when
For survivors in the Mohawk Valley and across upstate New York who have experienced institutional abuse or misconduct, this case is a reminder that accountability is possible, even when it takes years. Local organizations like the Rape Crisis Center of Central New York (315-422-7273) offer confidential support to survivors at any stage of their journey.
The fight for justice at Ohio State isn’t fully over. But for hundreds of survivors, this settlement is proof that speaking up matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ohio State approve the $100 million settlement?
OSU’s Board of Trustees approved the $100 million settlement on June 3, 2026, covering 279 of the 280 remaining federal plaintiffs. [1]
How many total survivors has OSU settled with?
OSU has settled with more than 600 survivors in total, with combined compensation exceeding $160 million across all settlement agreements. [2]
Who was Dr. Richard Strauss?
Dr. Richard Strauss was a team physician at Ohio State University from 1978 to 1998. A 2019 independent investigation found he sexually abused at least 177 male students during that period. He died by suicide in 2005. [3]
Did Jim Jordan know about the abuse?
Jim Jordan, who was an assistant wrestling coach at OSU from 1987 to 1995, has consistently denied knowledge of Strauss’s abuse. However, former athletic director Andy Geiger testified in a deposition that Jordan “probably knew.” [5]
Can survivors still sue OSU after accepting the settlement?
Survivors who accept the settlement generally release OSU from further claims related to Strauss’s abuse. A small number of survivors have chosen not to settle and continue to pursue independent legal action. [1][4]
What free services does OSU offer survivors?
Since 2019, OSU has offered free, professionally certified counseling and medical treatment to survivors and their families. Survivors do not need to contact the university directly to access these services. [3]
How does the OSU settlement compare to Michigan State’s Nassar case?
Michigan State’s settlement with Larry Nassar survivors totaled an estimated $500 million for more than 500 survivors, making it larger than OSU’s total payout. The University of Southern California and University of Michigan have also reached settlements exceeding $490 million in comparable cases.
Are new lawsuits still being filed against OSU?
Yes. In May 2026, 30 former OSU football players, including NFL veterans, joined a new federal lawsuit alleging abuse by Strauss. [5]
Why were some Title IX claims initially dismissed?
A federal trial court initially dismissed Title IX claims as untimely, ruling they were filed too late. A divided U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit later reversed that decision and allowed the claims to proceed. [4]
What action did OSU take against Strauss posthumously?
In 2019, OSU revoked Strauss’s emeritus status as part of its institutional response to the scandal. [3]
References
[1] AP News – Ohio State $100 million settlement approval – https://apnews.com/article/d51498f5a8635629842512aeb9023273?utm_source=openai
[2] New Settlements Reached With Survivors For Cases Involving Strauss – https://news.osu.edu/new-settlements-reached-with-survivors-for-cases-involving-strauss/?utm_source=openai
[3] OSU Strauss Investigation – https://straussinvestigation.osu.edu/?utm_source=openai
[4] About the Strauss Investigation – https://straussinvestigation.osu.edu/strauss-investigation/about?utm_source=openai
[5] AP News – Jim Jordan and former football players lawsuit – https://apnews.com/article/249c284f1c8cedceaacd3dfd28c171cf?utm_source=openai
[6] Ohio State 162 Survivors Finalize Settlement In Strauss Case – https://news.osu.edu/ohio-state-162-survivors-finalize-409-million-settlement-in-strauss-case/?utm_source=openai
