Ohio State University's Latest Settlements in the Richard Strauss Abuse Cases

In a significant development for accountability in higher education, The Ohio State University (OSU) recently announced eight new settlement agreements with survivors of sexual abuse perpetrated by former university physician Dr. Richard Strauss. These agreements, totaling $800,000 or $100,000 per survivor, resolve claims from two separate plaintiff groups and bring the total number of settled cases to 304, with payouts exceeding $60 million since 2018. Importantly, these survivors retain the right to speak publicly about their experiences, reflecting a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes healing without silencing voices.

This latest round underscores OSU's ongoing commitment to addressing the long shadow cast by Strauss's actions from 1978 to 1998, during which he served as a team doctor and general physician, primarily targeting male student-athletes. The university has emphasized that no taxpayer dollars, tuition fees, or restricted donor funds were used for these payments, sourced instead from institutional reserves.

As higher education institutions nationwide grapple with legacies of institutional failure in protecting students, this update highlights both progress in resolution and the persistent need for robust prevention strategies.

Understanding the Richard Strauss Scandal: A Historical Overview

Dr. Richard H. Strauss joined The Ohio State University in 1978 as an assistant professor in the College of Medicine and volunteered as a team physician for various athletic programs, later gaining formal appointments in the Athletics Department and Student Health services. Over two decades, Strauss sexually abused at least 177 male students, with reports confirming fondling, unnecessary genital exams, and other predatory behaviors often conducted without gloves or chaperones.

The abuse was not isolated; it occurred in settings like Larkins Hall showers, athletic training rooms, and Strauss's off-campus clinic. OSU's 2019 campus safety report later documented 1,430 fondling incidents and 47 rapes linked to Strauss. More than 521 survivors have come forward publicly, painting a picture of an 'open secret' within the athletic department where complaints surfaced as early as 1979 but elicited no meaningful action until his 1996 suspension.

Strauss retired in 1998 with emeritus status (revoked in 2019) and died by suicide in 2005. The scandal erupted publicly in 2018 when former wrestler Mike DiSabato reported his experiences, prompting OSU to launch an independent investigation.

The Independent Investigation and Key Findings

In April 2018, less than a week after the initial report, OSU retained the law firm Perkins Coie LLP for an external probe, costing $6.2 million. The resulting 182-page report, released in May 2019 alongside over 17,500 pages of records, confirmed Strauss abused 177 students (153 athletes, including 48 wrestlers). It detailed how university personnel, including 14 athletic trainers and 22 coaches, knew of the behavior by 1979 but failed to report to law enforcement or act decisively.

The investigation criticized OSU's 'fundamental failure' and inadequate responses to prior complaints. It also prompted U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights scrutiny under Title IX (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, prohibiting sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs). OSU contacted 115,000 alumni/former athletes and 147,000 others to solicit information.

Explore the full Strauss Investigation site for records and updates.

A Detailed Timeline of Events and Responses

The Strauss case spans decades, with key milestones illustrating institutional inertia followed by reform:

• 1978: Strauss begins at OSU.
• 1979-1996: Complaints ignored; abuse continues openly.
• 1996: Strauss suspended from patient care.
• 1998: Retires.
• 2005: Dies.
• March 2018: First modern report triggers investigation.
• May 2019: Perkins report released; emeritus status revoked.
• 2020: Task Force on Sexual Abuse formed.
• May 2020: $40.9M settlement with 162 survivors (avg. $252K each).
• Oct 2020: $5.8M with 23 survivors.
• Sep 2021: $11.1M with 47 survivors via Individual Settlement Program.
• Mar 2022: $1.9M with 54 survivors.
• Jul 2022: $350K with 10 survivors.
• Feb 2026: $800K with 8 survivors.

This progression shows steady resolution amid litigation battles over Title IX statutes of limitations, culminating in U.S. Supreme Court denial of review in 2023.

Evolution of Settlements: From Major Payouts to Individual Resolutions

OSU's settlement strategy evolved from large class-action deals to targeted programs. The landmark $40.9 million agreement in 2020 covered 162 plaintiffs, followed by phased payouts averaging around $250,000 initially but $100,000 in recent cases amid mediation. By February 2026, 304 survivors received over $60 million through court-administered processes or the 2021 Individual Settlement Program managed by third-party Praesidium.

Remaining cases (estimated from over 500 filers) proceed, with OSU denying liability but prioritizing closure. These efforts fund no-contact counseling reimbursements indefinitely.

University Support and Reforms Post-Scandal

OSU responded with comprehensive changes: mandatory sexual misconduct prevention training linked to employee raises and student registration; a Task Force on Sexual Abuse (including survivors) recommending compliance culture enhancements; prohibiting public locker room access; chaperone policies; and multiple physician options for athletes. The Civil Rights Compliance Office expanded, with annual Board of Trustees survivor forums (2018-2022).

Counseling via Praesidium covers past and future costs without university contact. These align with national higher ed standards, positioning OSU as a model for post-crisis reform.

Survivor Voices and Broader Perspectives

Survivors like those in HBO's 2025 documentary Surviving Ohio State describe profound trauma, with some dropping out or quitting sports. Critics argue early settlements included gag clauses (denied in recent ones), and payouts undervalued lifelong impacts. Attorneys note OSU's transparency led the probe, but litigation persists for accountability.

Whistleblower Mike DiSabato credits public pressure for change. While some praise OSU's apologies and support, others seek systemic reckoning.

Implications for Higher Education Institutions

The Strauss case reverberates under Title IX, challenging statutes of limitations and expanding protections to non-students/employees. It exposes risks in athletic medicine, urging peer institutions to audit protocols. Lessons include early reporting mandates, bystander intervention training, and independent audits.

For faculty and administrators, it stresses ethical oversight. Explore higher ed career advice on fostering safe campuses.

Prevention Strategies and Actionable Insights for Universities

To prevent recurrence:

• Implement chaperone-required exams.
• Mandate multi-physician options.
• Tie compliance training to incentives.
• Establish survivor-inclusive task forces.
• Ensure anonymous reporting via tools like EthicsPoint.

Statistics show 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence; proactive policies reduce liability. Institutions should benchmark against OSU's model while customizing culturally.

Professionals seeking roles in safe environments can check Rate My Professor insights or browse higher ed jobs.

Photo by Leslie Saunders on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Justice, Healing, and Institutional Evolution

With settlements surpassing $60 million and reforms entrenched, the focus shifts to remaining litigation and long-term healing. The 2025 documentary amplifies calls for federal Title IX clarity. Higher education must prioritize student safety to rebuild trust, ensuring no repeat of OSU's past failures.

For career navigators, this saga underscores vetting institutions. Visit university jobs, higher ed jobs, and career advice for empowered choices. Share experiences at Rate My Professor.