The 5 Biggest Sex Scandals at US Universities
Many US universities have recently faced allegations of widespread sexual abuse. Let’s take a quick look at some of the biggest sex scandals that have shaken up the broader academic community, and analyze what are the best legal options for sexual abuse victims.
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5 Largest Sexual Abuse Scandals at US Universities
1. Ohio State University
Richard Strauss worked as a physician at Ohio State University’s Athletics Department and Student Health Center. According to the Perkins Coie investigation report, released in 2019, Strauss had abused at least 177 male students between 1978 and 1998.
While Strauss died in 2005, Ohio State University settled to pay $40.9 million to 162 abuse survivors in June 2020.
2. Baylor University
Multiple members of the Baylor Bears football team were convicted of sexual assaults back in 2014. Most notably, former linebacker Tevin Eliot was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for two counts of sexual assault committed against a female Baylor student in 2012.
Baylor University hired the Pepper Hamilton law firm to investigate its treatment of sexual abuse allegations. The release of Pepper Hamilton’s report in 2015 resulted in the firing of head football coach Art Briles and the resignation of several school officials who were found to have suppressed reports of sexual misconduct.
3. University of Michigan
Dr. Robert Anderson had abused a large number of students during routine examinations at the University of Michigan Health Center from 1966 to 2003. In 2022, the university agreed to a $490 million settlement for more than 1,000 former students who suffered sexual assaults during this period.
An external investigation conducted in 2021 revealed that over twenty school officials had been aware of Dr. Anderson’s behavior. Meanwhile, victims who did not partake in the $490 million settlement are still entitled to seek financial compensation.
4. Michigan State University
Michigan State University physician Larry Nassar was charged with sexual assaults against hundreds of young women in 2016. Nasser had abused his position as the official team doctor of the US women’s national gymnastics team to exploit numerous gymnasts and other young athletes.
While Nassar received a 60-year prison sentence in 2017, Michigan State University reached a $500 million settlement with the abuse survivors in 2018.
5. Harvard University
After several accusations of unwarranted sexual advances, Harvard University placed Anthropology professor John Comaroff on paid administrative leave in 2020. Harvard’s investigation found Comaroff responsible for verbal sexual harassment, and the professor reassumed his position in September 2022.
However, the scandal has tarnished Harvard’s reputation, as three graduate students filed a lawsuit against the institution back in February 2022. The students claimed that Comaroff had threatened them with retaliation, and that Harvard officials had previously neglected numerous reports of his abuse.
Legal Recourses for Sexual Abuse Survivors
Sexual abuse refers to non-consensual acts that result in the violation of an individual’s autonomy, including physical touching, indecent exposure, rape, and sexual coercion. Sexual abuse lawyers are able to provide expert guidance and advanced legal strategies, so let’s see why survivors shouldn’t hesitate to file a sexual abuse lawsuit.
Main Advantages of Seeking Legal Representation
Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Legal representatives could enable sexual abuse survivors to recover various types of damages, including economic and emotional distress damages. Economic damages include financial costs associated with lost wages, psychological treatments, or medical expenses for a specific injury.
On the other hand, non-economic damages incorporate non-calculable losses such as mental anguish, loss of consortium, and psychological trauma.
Finding the Best Course of Action
After the initial case evaluation, capable sexual abuse lawyers can determine the best course of action in accordance with the relevant statute of limitations. This approach allows abuse survivors to protect their legal rights and receive appropriate compensation based on the duration and severity of the abuse.
Litigation Services
Sexual abuse lawyers offer litigation support and services in cases where it’s impossible to reach a settlement. In addition, these legal representatives can provide extensive emotional support for the duration of this traumatic experience.
Obtaining Access to Non-Legal Resources
Sexual abuse survivors can utilize their legal aid to get connected with various support groups, organizations, and counseling services that provide immediate psychological support.
Conclusion
Some of the leading state universities have recently been at the center of widespread sexual misconduct allegations. On top of that, the increased overall number of sexual abuse offenses in the US paints an alarming picture for citizens’ personal safety.
On the other hand, it is essential for abuse survivors to get in touch with accredited legal representatives. Sexual abuse lawyers can provide the necessary legal support to individuals who have suffered traumas associated with sexual abuse, as well as access to services that go beyond legal aid.
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