Ohio State announced Friday that it will pay almost $41 Million to settle 162 survivors in 12 lawsuits related to sexual abuse by Richard Strauss, a university-employed physician from 1978 to 1998. Strauss passed away in 2005.
In the release, Ohio State said it continues mediation with remaining plaintiffs and is committed to a fair resolution. The University had already launched an independent investigation in 2019 and found that Strauss abused students during his time at Ohio State and the university administration failed to appropriately respond at the time.
“The university of decades ago failed these individuals – our students, alumni and members of the Buckeye community,” said President Michael V. Drake in the release. “Nothing can undo the wrongs of the past, but we must do what we can today to work toward restorative justice.
“Our focus will always be on the survivors. We know it took great courage for them to come forward, and we are grateful.”
Ohio State previously announced a monetary settlement with nearly half of the individuals who brought claims against the university related to Strauss. All have now signed on to the terms of the settlement.
The exact amount of the settlement comes by way of The Qualified Settlement Fund to be funded by Ohio State in the amount $40,913,265. No taxpayer, tuition or restricted donor funds will be utilized.
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