Strauss victims ask Ohio State board to not let them down again
Staring down the faces of nearly 20 university trustees and leaders, former Ohio State wrestler Dan Ritchie asked a single question Thursday: “Are you going to let us down again, or are you going to do the right thing?”
He described being subjected to sexual abuse by former Ohio State doctor Richard Strauss during his time at the university from 1988 to 1992 and how he and his teammates complained over and over again but nothing was ever done.
“This university knew. It knew prior to my enrollment and it knew after,” Ritchie said. ” ... To date, we feel that the Ohio State University has yet to act in good faith, and in fact have tried to silence our efforts in holding the universality accountable.”
Ritchie was joined at the university’s board of trustees meeting by former wrestler Mike Schyck and former nursing student Brian Garrett.
(snip)
President Michael V. Drake again apologized to the men for the abuse they endured, and thanked them for their courage in speaking out. Heminger also noted the university’s effort to investigate Strauss’ conduct, the counseling services Ohio State has made available to victims, and the creation of a sexual abuse task force.
But Garrett, one of the earlier victims to speak out about his experience with Strauss, said he has found the university’s comments on the matter “insulting and dismissive,” and felt Ohio State was “sabotaging” efforts to pass a House bill that would help clear the way for Strauss’ victims to sue the university.
“If I’m being honest with you President Drake, I’m glad you’re leaving, I’m going to be honest with you,” he said, referring to news of the president’s upcoming retirement. “Because I don’t know if I can stomach another public comment.”
More:
https://www.dispatch.com/news/20191121/strauss-victims-ask-ohio-state-board-to-not-let-them-down-again