Columbus, OH — March 20, 2026 — A federal judge has ordered The Ohio State University to produce a previously confidential investigative file related to complaints against former university physician Dr. Richard Strauss, marking a significant development in ongoing litigation brought by former students.
In a March 20, 2026 Opinion and Order, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio granted plaintiffs’ motion to compel production of an unredacted Ohio State Medical Board investigation file dating back to 1996.
Court Finds File Relevant to Ongoing Litigation
The court determined that the investigative file—originally opened by the Ohio State Medical Board to review complaints concerning Dr. Strauss—is directly relevant to the claims being litigated.
The order explains that circumstances surrounding the file have changed over time, including the Medical Board’s waiver of its confidentiality interest and the plaintiffs’ request to use the materials in active federal litigation.
The court further noted that, because the case involves federal claims, federal law governs discovery issues, and state confidentiality statutes do not bar production where the information is relevant.
Limited Redactions and Protective Order Apply
While ordering production, the court imposed safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals referenced in the file. Names and identifying information of former patients and certain witnesses must remain redacted.
The materials will be produced under an “attorneys’ eyes only” designation pursuant to a protective order, meaning they may only be used for purposes of the litigation and cannot be publicly disclosed.
Ohio State has been ordered to produce the file within seven days of the court’s ruling.
Background of the Litigation
The lawsuits involve allegations by former students relating to conduct by Dr. Strauss during his tenure at Ohio State. Multiple consolidated cases are currently pending before the court.
The production of the Medical Board’s investigative file may play a role in ongoing proceedings as the parties continue to litigate issues related to institutional response and oversight.
Read the Order here
May17, 2019: A Message from President Drake: Strauss Investigation Report
Sports Illustrated: Why Aren’t More People Talking About the Ohio State Sex Abuse Scandal?
Sauder Schelkopf has been at the forefront of this litigation since 2018. It is alleged that the university officials had knowledge of Strauss’ misconduct dating back to 1979 and failed to take appropriate action. A 2019 independent investigation commissioned by OSU concluded that Strauss abused at least 177 male students between 1978 and 1998 and that complaints were never elevated beyond the athletic and student health departments. Sauder Schelkopf continues to represent a group of survivors seeking accountability and institutional reform.
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