News Summary
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan provided testimony under oath in a federal lawsuit regarding sexual abuse allegations involving Dr. Richard Strauss at Ohio State University. Jordan’s deposition raises questions about his awareness of the abuse during his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach. The lawsuit claims OSU failed to protect its athletes from Strauss’s misconduct, which has affected hundreds of former students. This deposition, following increased scrutiny from a recent documentary, underscores the ongoing discourse about institutional accountability in handling sexual abuse allegations.
Columbus, Ohio — Jim Jordan Testifies Under Oath in Ohio State Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
U.S. Representative Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio, was deposed under oath as part of a federal lawsuit involving allegations of sexual abuse by Dr. Richard Strauss at Ohio State University (OSU). The testimony comes amid renewed scrutiny concerning Jordan’s awareness of the abuse during his tenure at OSU, particularly when he served as an assistant wrestling coach from 1986 to 1994.
Context of the Allegations and the Lawsuit
Dr. Richard Strauss, who served as OSU’s team doctor from 1978 until 1998 and died in 2005, has been accused by hundreds of former athletes of sexual misconduct. An independent report published in 2019 detailed that Strauss committed nearly 1,500 acts of sexual assault during his time at OSU. Many complainants allege that university officials, including Jordan, were aware of the misconduct but did not take sufficient action to prevent or stop it.
The current deposition of Jordan is a part of a broader legal process initiated by former student-athletes seeking accountability from OSU. The lawsuit alleges that the university failed to safeguard its athletes and cover up Strauss’s misconduct, allowing abuse to continue over two decades.
Timing and Circumstances of the Deposition
The deposition took place on July 7, 2023, according to court filings disclosed on the previous Monday. Details surrounding the deposition were kept relatively private, with Jordan’s office declining to confirm whether it had occurred but reaffirming his longstanding denial of any knowledge of Strauss’s abuse or a cover-up by the university.
This deposition follows increased public attention generated by the documentary “Surviving Ohio State,” which aired on HBO and Max on June 17. Produced by George Clooney and directed by Eva Orner, the documentary features testimonies from former OSU wrestlers, accusing Jordan of having knowledge about Strauss’s misconduct while he was coaching at the university.
Former Athletes and Key Figures
Many complainants in the case, including former wrestlers and student-athletes, have come forward with allegations that Jordan was aware of the abuse or had suspicion but did not act. Some have publicly stated that they believe Jordan knew about the misconduct but chose not to intervene.
Jordan previously participated in university investigations as an assistant coach but had not been questioned under oath before this deposition. Other individuals linked to the case, such as OSU’s former athletic director Andy Geiger, have also been questioned by lawyers representing the victims.
Reactions and Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Jordan’s deposition has reignited discussions about how OSU handled reports of sexual abuse over the years. The university has settled with nearly 300 survivors of Strauss’s misconduct, providing an average payout of approximately $252,000 per victim. Despite these settlements, some former athletes have voiced dissatisfaction, criticizing the compensation as insufficient, especially when compared to settlements in high-profile cases like Larry Nassar.
Jordan’s spokesperson has previously maintained that he “never saw or heard of any abuse” during his time at OSU and asserted that he would have taken action if privy to any misconduct. The documentary and related allegations have further intensified public scrutiny of the university’s response to sexual abuse claims and the extent of Jordan’s awareness.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
The allegations and legal proceedings against OSU and Strauss have shone a spotlight on institutional responsibility and the handling of sexual abuse allegations at large. The lawsuit continues to develop as more depositions and investigations take place, aiming to clarify the scope of knowledge and actions taken by university officials, including Jordan, during Strauss’s tenure.
As the case advances, legal experts and advocacy groups remain attentive to potential outcomes, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing past misconduct and preventing future abuses.
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HERE Resources
Jim Jordan Questioned Under Oath in Ohio State Abuse Case
Additional Resources
- Associated Press: Jim Jordan Deposed in Ohio State Abuse Case
- Los Angeles Times: Opinion on Ohio State Wrestling Abuse
- Dayton Daily News: Jim Jordan’s Deposition on Abuse Allegations
- 10TV: Jim Jordan Deposed in Federal Suit
- Ohio Capital Journal: Jim Jordan Knew About Strauss Abuse
- Wikipedia: Jim Jordan
- Google Search: Jim Jordan Ohio State Sexual Abuse
- Google Scholar: Ohio State Sexual Abuse Case Jim Jordan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Jim Jordan Ohio State Abuse Lawsuit
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