The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear two cases related to the sexual abuse scandal at Ohio State University, allowing more than 230 men to proceed with their lawsuits against the university.
The decision upholds a ruling by the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which revived the dismissed lawsuits. Ohio State University had requested the Supreme Court’s review, but the court chose not to comment on its decision.
The lawsuits involve allegations of sexual abuse by the late Richard Strauss, a former university doctor, who worked at the institution from 1978 to 1998. The plaintiffs, including former student-athletes and other alumni, claim that they were subjected to abuse by Strauss during their time at the university. They accuse university officials of failing to take action despite receiving complaints as early as the late 1970s. The abuse allegedly occurred during required physicals and medical exams conducted at various campus facilities, including athletic facilities, a student health center, Strauss’ home, and an off-campus clinic.
Richard Strauss died by suicide in 2005 at the age of 67. In 2018, Ohio State University initiated an investigation into the abuse and its handling by the university. The institution has since apologized to the victims and reached settlements totaling over $60 million with at least 296 individuals affected by the abuse.
However, the university later sought to have the remaining unresolved cases dismissed, arguing that the claims were time-barred. The plaintiffs countered that they had filed their claims in a timely manner and that the statute of limitations did not commence until the 2018 investigation publicly exposed Strauss’ misconduct. According to the plaintiffs, it was at that point they became aware of the university’s knowledge of Strauss’ abuse and its failure to protect them. Many of the victims claimed that they only realized they had been subjected to abuse when the true nature of Strauss’ actions was revealed, as he had disguised the abuse as legitimate medical care.
The plaintiffs’ legal team expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the cases. They stated their readiness to proceed with the lawsuits, allowing their clients’ stories to be heard and further evidence to be gathered regarding Ohio State University’s alleged cover-up of Strauss’ predatory behavior.
READ ALSO: Fatal Shooting in Florida: Man Kills One and Injures Another in Pursuit of Ex-Girlfriend
Leave a Reply