Ohio State settles Strauss abuse claims
Analysis based on 26 articles · First reported Jun 03, 2026 · Last updated Jun 12, 2026
The significant financial settlements, totaling over $160 million, will negatively impact Ohio State University's finances and reputation. The ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny could deter potential students and donors, affecting the university's long-term financial health.
Ohio State University has reached a $100 million settlement with 279 of the 280 remaining victims of sexual abuse by former campus doctor Richard Strauss. This latest agreement, approved by the university's Board of Trustees on June 3, brings the total payouts to over $160 million for more than 600 survivors. Richard Strauss, who worked at Ohio State University from 1978 to 1998 and died in 2005, sexually abused numerous male students and athletes. An independent report in 2019 confirmed that university personnel knew of complaints as early as 1979 but failed to act. The settlements aim to conclude years of litigation that began in 2018, though one victim has yet to agree to the latest terms. The United States — Ohio Attorney General also filed a motion to dismiss some cases based on a statute of limitations argument. U.S. Representative Jordan has been mentioned in connection with the event, with some survivors claiming he knew about the abuse during his time as a wrestling coach, which he denies.
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