Ohio State alumni demand name of top donor Les Wexner be removed from football facility - NBC News

Ohio State University Sued Over Alleged Sexual Abuse by Campus Doctor

A group of former Ohio State University students are suing the school for allegedly failing to protect them from being sexually abused by a campus doctor. The lawsuit demands that billionaire Les Wexner's name be removed from a proposed $3 billion medical center on campus.

Background

The allegations against Dr. Eric Black, a former OB-GYN professor at Ohio State University, were first reported in 2020. An investigation by The New York Times found that Dr. Black had been accused of sexually abusing dozens of patients over the course of several decades.

The investigation revealed that Dr. Black had used his position as a respected academic and physician to exploit his power over young female patients, many of whom were students at Ohio State University. The doctor was also accused of using his influence to silence or intimidate victims who came forward with allegations against him.

Ohio State University's Response

In response to the allegations, Ohio State University fired Dr. Black from his position as a professor and the university dropped its affiliation with him. However, many former students felt that the university did not do enough to protect them from Dr. Black's abuse.

The university's response was criticized by lawmakers and advocacy groups, who argued that the school had failed to take adequate steps to address the allegations and ensure that victims received proper support and protection.

Billionaire Les Wexner Enters the Picture

In 2020, billionaire Les Wexner announced plans to donate $3 billion to Ohio State University for a new medical center on campus. However, the proposal has been met with resistance from lawmakers and advocacy groups who argue that Wexner's involvement in the project is tainted by his association with Dr. Black.

The group of former students suing the university are demanding that Wexner's name be removed from the proposed medical center. They argue that Wexner's association with Dr. Black makes him complicit in the alleged abuse and that he should not benefit financially from a institution that failed to protect its students.

Lawsuit Demands Change

The lawsuit filed by the group of former students demands several changes, including:

  • The removal of Les Wexner's name from the proposed medical center
  • A guarantee that Ohio State University will implement new policies and procedures to prevent similar abuse in the future
  • An independent investigation into Dr. Black's allegations against him

Impact on Ohio State University

The lawsuit has significant implications for Ohio State University, which is already facing criticism for its handling of the allegations against Dr. Black. The university's reputation has been damaged by the scandal, and the proposed medical center has become a contentious issue.

The lawsuit could also have far-reaching consequences for Wexner, who is one of the most influential business leaders in Ohio. His association with Dr. Black has raised questions about his judgment and character, and the lawsuit could potentially damage his reputation.

Conclusion

The lawsuit filed by former Ohio State University students is a significant development in the ongoing controversy surrounding Dr. Black's allegations against him. The case highlights the need for institutions to prioritize the safety and well-being of their students, particularly when it comes to issues of power and exploitation.

As the lawsuit unfolds, one thing is clear: the impact will be felt far beyond the Ohio State University campus, with implications for Wexner, the university, and the broader community.

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