Report on Institutional Accountability and Justice in the Ohio State University Abuse Case

Introduction: Seeking Justice and Strengthening Institutions (SDG 16)

A formal investigation into historical allegations of abuse at Ohio State University is advancing, with key figures scheduled to provide sworn testimony. This process is a critical step in addressing past institutional failures and providing access to justice for survivors, directly aligning with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which calls for promoting just, peaceful, and inclusive societies.

Violation of Health, Well-being, and Safe Educational Environments (SDG 3 & SDG 4)

The investigation centers on Dr. Richard Strauss, a former physician for Ohio State’s Athletics Department, who was found by a university-led inquiry to have abused at least 177 male students between 1979 and 1996. These actions represent a profound breach of trust and a failure to protect student welfare, undermining core tenets of the Sustainable Development Goals.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): The abuse inflicted significant physical and psychological harm, directly contravening the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.
• SDG 4 (Quality Education): The creation of an unsafe and threatening atmosphere within an educational institution fundamentally compromises the right to an inclusive and equitable quality education in a safe learning environment.

Investigation into Institutional Response and Individual Accountability

Depositions from key personnel who were employed by the university during the period of abuse are central to establishing a timeline of events and determining the extent of institutional knowledge. These sworn testimonies are essential for accountability, a cornerstone of SDG 16’s target for effective and transparent institutions.

1. Testimony of U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan: Mr. Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach from 1987 to 1995, is set to provide a sworn deposition regarding his knowledge of the allegations. Survivors have claimed Mr. Jordan was aware of the abuse but failed to report it, a claim he has consistently denied. This will be the first time his account is recorded under oath.
2. Testimony of Former Athletic Director Andy Geiger: Mr. Geiger was deposed in a session lasting approximately eight hours. Court documents indicate that at least two wrestlers reported concerns about Dr. Strauss directly to Mr. Geiger during the 1994-95 season. While Mr. Geiger has stated he does not recall the specific complaints, the testimony is crucial for understanding the institutional response at the time.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

The pursuit of justice in this case is intrinsically linked to the global agenda for sustainable development. The outcome has significant implications for the following goals:

• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions): The legal proceedings serve as a mechanism to provide access to justice for victims and hold individuals and institutions accountable, thereby strengthening the rule of law.
• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): While the known victims are male, the case addresses systemic issues of power-based sexual violence, a key concern of SDG 5, highlighting the universal need to eliminate all forms of violence and exploitation.
• SDG 3 & 4 (Health & Education): This case underscores that ensuring the physical and mental well-being of students is a non-negotiable prerequisite for any institution dedicated to providing quality education.

Conclusion: The Path Towards Accountability and Reform

The sworn depositions of Mr. Jordan and Mr. Geiger represent a pivotal moment for survivors seeking accountability. The resolution of this case is not only a matter of rectifying past injustices but also a critical test of institutional commitment to reform and alignment with the global principles of justice, safety, and well-being as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article discusses issues of sexual abuse within an academic institution, the subsequent investigation, and the legal process for accountability. These themes directly connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  This goal is relevant because the article centers on the actions of a physician, Dr. Richard Strauss, who “abused at least 177 male students.” Sexual abuse has profound and lasting negative impacts on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of survivors, directly contravening the objective of ensuring healthy lives.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  While the victims mentioned in the article are male, SDG 5 aims to end all forms of discrimination and violence against all people. Specifically, its targets address the elimination of sexual violence and exploitation. The abuse detailed in the article represents a gross violation of bodily autonomy and safety, which is a core concern of SDG 5, highlighting the need to eradicate such violence regardless of the victim’s gender.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The narrative revolves around the failure of an institution (Ohio State University) to protect its students and the subsequent pursuit of justice and accountability. The article mentions a “university investigation,” sworn depositions of officials like Jim Jordan and Andy Geiger, and the efforts of “survivors seeking accountability.” These elements directly relate to promoting the rule of law, ensuring access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the issues discussed, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being

   The abuse inflicted by Dr. Strauss on “student-athletes” is a direct assault on their well-being. The long-term psychological trauma associated with such abuse is a critical mental health issue, making the promotion of mental health and well-being a relevant target.

2. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation

   The principle of this target—eliminating sexual violence and exploitation—is directly applicable. The article details “voyeurism and inappropriate conduct by Strauss” and abuse of students, which are forms of sexual violence that this target seeks to eliminate from all spheres, including institutional settings like a university.

3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere

   The sexual abuse described in the article is a severe form of violence. The actions of Dr. Strauss and the institutional failure to stop him directly relate to the prevalence of violence that this target aims to reduce.

4. Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all

   The entire legal process described—including the “sworn testimony” and “deposition” of Jim Jordan and Andy Geiger—is a direct manifestation of this target. The article states these actions are a “crucial step for survivors seeking accountability,” which underscores the theme of ensuring access to justice for victims.

5. Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

   The article highlights a historical failure of institutional accountability. It alleges that officials like Jim Jordan and Andy Geiger were aware of the abuse but “took no action to report it” or did not remember complaints. The current “university investigation” and legal depositions are attempts to enforce accountability on an institution that was not effective or transparent in protecting its students.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article contains several explicit and implicit indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Prevalence of violence and abuse

  The finding from the “university investigation” that “Dr. Strauss abused at least 177 male students” serves as a baseline indicator for the extent of violence (Indicator for Targets 5.2 and 16.1). Tracking the number of reported incidents over time measures progress.

• Functioning of the justice system

  The article’s mention of legal procedures like “sworn testimony” and “deposition” are indicators of the justice system in action. The fact that these depositions are taking place for high-profile individuals is a measure of progress towards ensuring “equal access to justice for all” (Indicator for Target 16.3).

• Institutional accountability mechanisms

  The existence of a “university investigation” is an indicator of an institution taking steps towards accountability. Furthermore, the fact that former officials are being compelled to give sworn testimony indicates that mechanisms to hold individuals and institutions accountable are being utilized (Indicator for Target 16.6).

• Reporting of abuse

  The article notes that “two wrestlers reported concerns directly to Geiger.” The number of individuals coming forward to report abuse is an indicator of trust in the system and a willingness to seek justice. The survivors’ ongoing fight for accountability is another qualitative indicator of the demand for justice (Indicator for Targets 16.3 and 16.6).

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators’ to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: 10tv.com