An investigation into a former university-employed physician at Ohio State has uncovered wide-ranging allegations of sexual abuse.
According to a post on OSU’s website, the school’s Board of Trustees heard an update Thursday on an independent investigation being conducted by Perkins Coie LLP, which has been tasked with identifying and evaluating recent allegations against Strauss, as well as understanding the university’s knowledge of the allegations during Strauss’ employment at OSU.
Strauss was employed by Ohio State from the mid-1970s to the 1990s, and died in 2005.
According to Perkins Coie’s initial report, Student-athletes from 14 men’s sports have so far come forward to accuse Strauss of sexual misconduct during his time at OSU. Perkins Coie also reported that it has conducted or scheduled over 130 interviews with individuals who claim to have information relevant to the investigation.
University president Michael V. Drake sent an email to alumni requesting that individuals who have information about Strauss come forward. OSU has also set up a website which provides updates on the investigation, as well as contact information for those who wish to come forward.
In his email, Drake called the allegations “deeply troubling” and said the school is committed to uncovering the truth. “I want to reiterate our sincere appreciation to the alumni and others who have come forward – for the courage it takes in circumstances like these and for their assistance in helping us to deal with this issue in a straightforward and clear fashion,” Drake said.
Special counsel Kathleen Trafford of Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLC, who was appointed to oversee the investigation for OSU, said in a May 6 letter to the Board of Trustees that the investigation is ongoing. “As I mentioned, there are unique challenges inherent in investigating actions that may have occurred as far back as 38 years ago. And new lines of inquiry might yet be identified as former students, alumni, University employees, and other come forward,” she wrote.
