By ANDREW WELSH-HUGGINS
COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio State University says it has received confidential reports of alleged sexual misconduct involving a former university doctor.
The university said Thursday that male student-athletes in eight sports submitted the reports, which involve cheerleading, fencing, football, gymnastics, ice hockey, swimming, volleyball and wrestling.
The reports follow an initial allegation announced last month against the former university doctor, Richard Strauss, who died in 2005.
The university does not tolerate sexual misconduct and is committed to advancing a culture of civility and respect. If anyone has experienced any form of sexual misconduct while enrolled at Ohio State, and the incident involved another student or university employee, they are encouraged to report to the Office of University Compliance and Integrity, our anonymous reporting service or law enforcement.-University statement
University spokesman Chris Davey said the information is being shared to encourage the community “past and present” to come forward to help with the investigation by emailing their information to osu@perkinscoie.com.
The university has hired Seattle-based law firm Perkins Coie to conduct an independent investigation.
The matter has also been referred to Columbus police and the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office for a potential criminal investigation.