In recent years, the world has witnessed a growing awareness of sexual abuse within institutions, particularly in sports. One of the most harrowing stories to emerge from this reckoning is that of Richard Strauss, a former doctor at Ohio State University (OSU), whose decades-long predation of male students has left a profound impact on survivors and the university community. The documentary Surviving Ohio State, directed by Eva Orner, sheds light on this dark chapter, revealing the systemic failures that allowed Strauss to operate unchecked for so long.
The rise of Richard Strauss
Richard Strauss began his tenure at OSU in 1978, quickly becoming a trusted figure within the athletic department. His role as team physician allowed him unprecedented access to young male athletes, whom he exploited under the guise of medical examinations. The documentary recounts chilling testimonies from survivors who describe the invasive and inappropriate nature of Strauss’s examinations. Many athletes, conditioned to trust authority figures, found themselves in situations that felt wrong but were often dismissed as part of the medical process.
Institutional negligence and cover-up
As the documentary unfolds, it becomes evident that OSU’s administration was aware of Strauss’s behavior long before the abuse was publicly acknowledged. An independent investigation revealed that university personnel had knowledge of Strauss’s sexually abusive treatment of male student-patients as early as 1979. Yet, despite numerous complaints, no meaningful action was taken until 1996, when Strauss was finally removed from his position. This timeline raises critical questions about the culture of silence and complicity that allowed such abuse to persist.
The fight for justice
In the wake of Strauss’s actions being exposed, survivors have sought justice not only for themselves but for the countless others who suffered in silence. The documentary highlights the ongoing civil litigation against OSU, with survivors demanding accountability from the institution that failed to protect them. The university’s response has been criticized as insufficient, with settlement offers falling short compared to those provided in similar cases at other institutions. Survivors express frustration at the lack of acknowledgment from OSU, emphasizing the need for a transparent reckoning with the past.
A call for change
As Surviving Ohio State makes clear, the legacy of Richard Strauss is not just a story of individual abuse but a reflection of systemic issues within sports and educational institutions. The documentary serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to survivors and addressing the culture that enables such abuses to occur. As the fight for justice continues, it is imperative that institutions prioritize the safety and well-being of their students over reputational concerns.
In conclusion, the revelations brought to light by Surviving Ohio State are a clarion call for change. The stories of the survivors must not be forgotten, and their pursuit of justice should inspire a broader movement to ensure that such abuses are never tolerated again.