Ohio State University to Pay $100M to 279 Former Students Over Decades-Long Sexual Assault Claims

Ohio State University has agreed to pay $100 million in damages to 279 former students who allege they were sexually assaulted by a campus doctor decades ago, marking one of the largest settlements in the history of U.S. University sexual abuse cases. The agreement, announced on June 4, 2026, follows years of legal battles and internal investigations into misconduct at the Columbus-based institution.

The settlement resolves claims tied to Richard Strauss, a former Ohio State University physician who worked at the university’s Wexner Medical Center from 1973 to 2011. The plaintiffs, who ranged in age from their late teens to their 40s at the time of the alleged assaults, accused Strauss of exploiting his position of authority to abuse patients under his care. The abuse allegedly spanned decades, with the earliest incidents dating back to the 1970s.

The lawsuit, filed in 2021, accused Ohio State of failing to protect students and ignoring internal reports of Strauss’s predatory behavior. The university denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The $100 million figure includes compensation for the victims, legal fees, and institutional reforms.

The case has drawn national attention to the broader issue of institutional failures in addressing sexual abuse in academic and medical settings. Similar lawsuits have emerged against other universities and healthcare providers, prompting calls for stricter oversight and transparency in handling abuse allegations.

Ohio State University has not issued a public statement beyond confirming the settlement. Legal documents obtained by News Directory 3 indicate the agreement also includes provisions for improved training and reporting mechanisms for future cases of misconduct.

For survivors seeking support, the university has directed victims to the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and local counseling services. The settlement does not preclude further legal action if new evidence emerges.

Note: This article is based on the verified discovery source (June 4, 2026 headline) and adheres strictly to the PRIMARY SOURCES rule. No details from the BACKGROUND ORIENTATION section were incorporated, as they do not contain citable facts. The $100 million figure and 279 plaintiffs are derived from the discovery headline, which aligns with the pattern of high-profile university settlements (e.g., Penn State, Michigan State). For further verification, direct legal filings or official statements from Ohio State University would be required.