Ohio State University on Wednesday agreed to pay $100 million to settle sexual abuse claims brought by hundreds of former students who accused Dr. Richard Strauss of abusing them during his tenure at the university from 1978 to 1998.
The settlement covers 279 of the 280 plaintiffs with pending litigation in this case, bringing a potential end to a yearslong legal battle that began in 2018. The university's Board of Trustees approved the preliminary agreement during a public meeting, with President Ravi Bellamkonda addressing survivors directly.
What the Left Is Saying
Survivor advocates and Democratic lawmakers praised the settlement as an important step toward accountability but argued it underscores broader failures in institutional oversight at universities across the country.
Attorney Al Gerhardstein, who has represented Strauss survivors, said the resolution provides 'a sense of closure' for victims while raising questions about how such abuse could persist unchecked for 20 years. The independent investigation released by Ohio State found that university personnel were aware of complaints against Strauss as early as 1979 but did not intervene.
Survivor advocacy groups noted that the settlement comes after a previous $61 million payout to 317 other survivors in February, bringing total compensation to over $161 million. Advocates argue this figure reflects the scale of institutional failure and called for stronger Title IX enforcement at universities nationwide.
What the Right Is Saying
University trustees and conservative commentators emphasized that Ohio State acted decisively once the full scope of abuse became clear through litigation, while noting the university's cooperation with court-ordered mediation.
Board chair John Zeiger said the university respected confidentiality requirements under federal court order during ongoing settlement negotiations. 'We will provide additional information on this resolution when we are in a position to do so,' he stated.
Some observers noted that Strauss died by suicide in 2005, meaning criminal prosecution was not possible regardless of findings. The university's decision to settle rather than continue prolonged litigation was seen by some as pragmatic, avoiding additional trauma for survivors while acknowledging institutional responsibility.
What the Numbers Show
The settlement amounts to $100 million for 279 plaintiffs, averaging approximately $358,000 per survivor in this round of claims. Combined with the February settlement of over $61 million for 317 survivors, Ohio State has now paid more than $161 million total to Strauss abuse victims.
Dr. Strauss worked at Ohio State from 1978 to 1998, a span of 20 years during which alleged abuse occurred, according to plaintiffs. An independent investigation found university staff received complaints as early as 1979, approximately one year after Strauss began his tenure.
The settlement awaits final court approval under mediation overseen by a federal judge. Specific individual payouts remain confidential per mediator directives and the court order governing proceedings.
The Bottom Line
Wednesday's $100 million settlement marks a significant milestone in resolving claims that have shadowed Ohio State for years, with total compensation now exceeding $161 million across two major settlements. University President Bellamkonda called survivors 'Buckeyes' who will 'always be part of our family and community,' acknowledging their courage in coming forward.
The case has prompted broader scrutiny of how universities handle sexual abuse complaints, particularly when allegations involve medical staff with access to students. A joint statement from the university and plaintiffs thanked mediators for their assistance as parties work to finalize settlement details.
Remaining questions include whether institutional reforms implemented since 2018 will prevent similar failures and what accountability measures other universities might adopt in response to this case.