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In a notable turn of events, Republican Congressman Jim Jordan found himself under oath for the first time regarding the Ohio State University sex abuse scandal during a deposition on Friday.
In a disheartening parallel, a recent investigation by the Associated Press uncovered that nearly 1,700 priests and clergy members, credibly accused of sexual abuse, remain unsupervised. Alarmingly, many of these individuals have been positioned as teachers, coaches, and counselors, often residing near children’s playgrounds.
This cover-up mentality was similarly evident in the Ohio State University wrestling coach abuse scandal. An independent report revealed that during his two-decade tenure, the university’s team doctor was responsible for almost 1,500 instances of sexual assault, including close to 50 rapes.
Former athletes have since initiated civil lawsuits against the university, prompting the deposition of Jim Jordan, who served as an assistant wrestling coach from 1987 to 1995, coinciding with the doctor’s employment at Ohio State. Survivors have alleged that Jordan was aware of the ongoing abuse yet chose to remain silent. Jordan has consistently denied these allegations.
A previous university investigation concluded that Dr. Strauss abused at least 177 male students between 1979 and 1996, during his time with the Athletics Department and Student Health Center.
In an upcoming HBO documentary titled “Surviving Ohio State,” former wrestlers assert that Jordan was indeed aware of the abuse perpetrated by the coach. One wrestler stated, “To say that (Jordan) knew nothing, that nothing ever happened, it’s a flat-out lie.” Jordan, however, has refuted claims of negligence during his tenure as a coach.
The documentary has sparked discussions about those who chose to turn a blind eye, as highlighted in an opinion piece by Robin Abcarian in the Los Angeles Times.
Jordan’s deposition comes amidst accusations of him ignoring sexual abuse cases for years, while his Republican colleagues are actively working to suppress information related to another significant abuse scandal involving powerful figures.
Child sexual abuse is a crime that casts long shadows, often leading to enduring psychological consequences for survivors. According to VAWnet, childhood sexual trauma is linked with a spectrum of mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and substance abuse disorders.
While all political affiliations can harbor perpetrators and enablers, one party continues to elevate known offenders, including those in high positions like the presidency, while simultaneously working to obscure information regarding individuals implicated in scandals, such as the Epstein case.
While Jim Jordan’s deposition marks a critical step in addressing the Ohio State victims’ plight, it also reveals the broader hypocrisy within a political system that often prioritizes power over accountability.
What are your thoughts on Jordan’s compelled testimony? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.
