Rep. Jim Jordan faces deposition in Ohio State abuse case

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a staunch defender of conservative values, is stepping into a legal storm as he prepares to be questioned under oath about a decades-old sex abuse scandal at Ohio State University.

This controversy centers on allegations against Richard Strauss, a former university doctor, whose predatory actions reportedly spanned nearly 20 years, with lawsuits claiming the university turned a blind eye.

Let’s roll back the clock to 2018, when survivors of Strauss’ horrific abuse—hundreds of them—finally broke their silence after decades, filing lawsuits against Ohio State for allegedly facilitating and concealing the doctor’s actions.

Jordan Under the Legal Spotlight

Fast forward to now, and Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach at the university during Strauss’ tenure, is set to be deposed on Friday in Washington as part of these ongoing civil cases.

Earlier this week, former Ohio State Athletic Director Andy Geiger faced similar questioning in Los Angeles, showing the wide net being cast over past university figures.

Neither Jordan nor Geiger has been charged with any wrongdoing, but the scrutiny is intense, especially with claims from at least four former wrestlers and a referee that they raised concerns about Strauss directly to Jordan back in the day.

Survivors Demand Accountability Now

Survivors, who endured unspeakable acts including sexual abuse and rape, are understandably furious, alleging that university leaders and coaches knew about Strauss’ behavior for years and did nothing.

These brave individuals, silent for so long, are now pushing hundreds of pending federal court cases against Ohio State, seeking justice for a nightmare that should never have been allowed to fester.

Ohio State has settled with over half of the plaintiffs—296 survivors to be exact—for more than $60 million since 2018, and all male students who filed suits have been offered settlements, which is a start, though many feel it’s too little, too late.

University Response Raises Eyebrows

A spokesperson for Ohio State stated, “We express our deep regret and apologies to all who experienced Strauss’ abuse.”

They also noted the university’s efforts to investigate Strauss and provide counseling and medical treatment costs, but let’s be honest—decades of alleged negligence aren’t erased by a check and a pat on the back.

While the university pats itself on the back for settlements, survivors are still waiting for the full accountability they deserve, not just financial band-aids for deep wounds.

Jordan’s Defense and Public Perception

A spokesperson for Jordan insisted, “Chairman Jordan never saw or heard of any abuse.”

That’s a bold claim, but with multiple witnesses saying they flagged Strauss’ behavior to him, this deposition could be a defining moment—turns out, the past doesn’t stay buried forever.

As this saga unfolds, with an HBO documentary shining even more light on the scandal, conservatives like Jordan must navigate a tightrope: standing firm against progressive overreach while ensuring victims’ voices aren’t drowned out by political noise.