COLUMBUS — As the university’s board of trustees meet to discuss whether superstar football coach Urban Meyer should be punished for the way he handled domestic-abuse allegations against a former assistant, OSU has announced the creation of a centralized office for responding to sexual- and gender-based harassment, violence and other types of discrimination and harassment.
The goal of the office announced Tuesday by university President Michael Drake is helping students, faculty and staff who experience, witness or are aware of sexual misconduct.
The announcement comes as the university faces at least three Title IX-related scandals.
The university shut down its office of sexual civility and empowerment in June for reevaluation.
They include allegations of sexual misconduct against a former team doctor involving dozens of male student-athletes and accusations against a former diving coach accused of sexually abusing young divers as well as the allegations against former assistant football coach Zach Smith.
No timetable has been given for final resolution of the Meyer situation, which has overshadowed the team’s preparation for its season opener Sept. 1.