Ohio's Long History Of Institutional Betrayal

And What To Do About It!

Congressman Jim Jordan is my neighbor.

What I mean by that is he represents a district in Ohio that's close to mine. Every county Jordan represents is a beautiful, rural stretch of bountiful Ohio; my home state.

Up until 2009 I was a faithful and proud fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. That is, until my daughter the rebel was accepted into the University of Michigan. I flipped my script and I never looked back (Don't judge me!!)

A deep part of my heart will always root for the Buckeyes in every other context but for the one day of the year they play football against the Michigan Wolverines.

Go Big 10 I say!

Jim Jordan has long been associated through the rumor mill to the sexual abuse committed by Dr. Richard Strauss against Ohio State athletes; as the Buckeyes promoted Strauss over a twenty year span his victim base grew to other students.

Jordan was four-time State of Ohio champion wrestler and graduated from high school in St. Paris, Ohio the same year as me - 1982. He won NCAA wrestling titles for the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In 1987 Jim landed what is a dream job for many an Ohio wrestler; assistant wrestling coach under head coach Russ Hellickson at The Ohio State University. He stayed until 1995.

This period of time should have been golden for the young men who made it to the best damn school in the land - THE Ohio State University! Few times are more character building in a man's life as the time he enters the grandeur of being a student at this magnificent school.

Now, to give full disclosure here, I am bound by my license to live in reality. So the entire Ohio Republican party buying into spreading the lie that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump is embarrassing.

I have been a proud Registered Republican since 1983 (Don't hate me!). Jim Jordan hooking up with James Comer to spread election fraud lies has been a complete embarrassment to our state.

LIVING IN REALITY: There was no widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election AND Trump tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Jim Jordan lies about this.

To find out this MFer was the assistant coach that ignored his players reporting sexual assault from the team doctor is too much.

WTF Jim Jordan.

Surviving Ohio State

I'm going to let you know right now that the HBO documentary, "Surviving Ohio State" is a maddening account of the rise of Dr. Richard Strauss at The Ohio State University and the victims' accounts of their experiences with him is gut wrenching.

Dr. Richard Strauss was given cart blanche to rape these young men right under Jordan's nose and he continues to lie about it, even though many victims reported the abuse to him.

The film traces the trauma of eight Ohioans. Each describes the pride and achievement they felt being an athlete and going to school on a full ride scholarship at the world renowned OSU.

My very Ohio upbringing includes two older brothers, a very engaged father, and a ton of male friends around me, as I graduated from Whitmer High School; once the largest high school in Ohio. I've been surrounded by males my entire life - athletic Ohio males.

I've seen a couple of my friends coach and play professionally.

The vibe of a male athlete from Ohio can be characterized by several key traits and cultural influences. These dudes exhibit a strong competitive nature, driven by a desire to win and excel in their sport. This competitiveness is reflected in their training, teamwork, and interactions with peers.

A passion for sports is central to their identity, whether it's football, basketball, baseball, or wrestling. This enthusiasm often extends beyond their own participation to a deep appreciation for local and national sports teams.

There is often an embodiment of traditional masculine values, including toughness, resilience, and a sense of loyalty. This influences their interactions and relationships both on and off the field.

Many athletes take pride in their Ohio heritage, often showcasing their love for the state through sports affiliations, local slang, and references to regional culture.

As soon as they started talking on screen I felt like I knew every one of these guys.

Victims of Dr. Strauss: L - R: Stephen Snyder Hill, Brian Garrett, Mike Schyck, and Michal DiSabato. Photo credit: The Columbus Dispatch

The Ohio State University Board of Trustees has handled the Strauss abuse scandal so poorly. Despite acknowledging that the abuse occurred and reports indicating that faculty members were aware of the misconduct - Jim Jordan, a United States Representative for Ohio District 4 - totally gerrymandered - the board has failed to take sufficient action to support the victims or ensure accountability.

It can be argued that the university's continued defense and lack of transparent reforms suggest an ongoing effort to protect its reputation rather than prioritize justice for those harmed. This approach has deepened public outrage and raised questions about the institution’s commitment to accountability and victim support in the aftermath of one of the most devastating misconduct scandals in its history.

At Penn State, the Jerry Sandusky abuse scandal in 2011 was met with widespread outrage after it was revealed that university officials, including head football coach Joe Paterno, knew of Sandusky’s misconduct years earlier but failed to take appropriate action.

The university faced severe consequences, including NCAA sanctions, a new leadership overhaul, and a national conversation about institutional neglect and the importance of protecting victims. The scandal prompted significant reforms in policies for reporting and preventing abuse.

In contrast, Michigan State University was heavily criticized for its handling of Larry Nassar, the USA Gymnastics team doctor, who sexually abused hundreds of victims over decades.

While some MSU officials were aware of suspicions or misconduct, there was a widespread failure to act swiftly or decisively. This led to legal settlements, leadership changes, and reforms aimed at improving response procedures. The scandal also pointed to systemic issues in how institutions manage allegations.

OSU was slow in its response and initially focused on protecting its reputation rather than supporting victims.

Overall, each case reveals institutional failures to adequately protect victims. Penn State’s scandal resulted in immediate and sweeping reforms driven by public outrage; MSU’s Nassar case prompted widespread internal investigation and reforms after delayed responses; OSU’s Strauss scandal has been criticized for lack of transparency and insufficient action.

These cases underscore the importance of institutional accountability and proactive measures to prevent abuse and support victims.

So, why don't we the taxpayers and donors demand them from these public institutions?

Why do the great Ohioans in District 4 keep electing Jim Jordan?

The OSU survivors not only faced the trauma of the abuse itself but also experienced harassment, dismissal, and discouragement from the university and sports staff, effectively silencing them.

And then there is a thing called DOXXING.

Institutional Betrayal In My Backyard

This may sound dumb at my age but this is my blog and I don't care!

I love my high school - Whitmer Panthers! My middle and elementary school too. The Washington Local Schools administrative building is literally across the street from my backyard. I was truly blessed to grow up in - and get this - I live in my family home again - this amazing community.

A community that doxxed me in 2015 when I learned that the Superintendent, Patrick Hickey, had had inappropriate relationships with his students when he was their coach and teacher in a school system up in Michigan. The place where my family has spent every summer in The Irish Hills and where the Kern name is well known.

I got dragged into this cluster fuck of a mess after Hickey hit the local news and social media for harassing a teacher with whom he had allegedly had an affair, after she ended the relationship. Her husband was also a teacher and, because Hickey wouldn't leave her alone, intervened on her behalf.

Hickey broke every employment law and ripped her husband - also his employee - a new asshole in email using the school's email system.

This dude was egregious and one of his student victims caught the story on the evening news. This victim, who I did not know before this, knows a long-time family friend. I didn't know Hickey or anyone in WLS for that matter before.

It's unclear to me why Hickey's name came up between them, but the outcome was the family friend asking me if it was ok to give this victim my name and number; the family friend knows I'm a therapist and the victim wanted to speak out.

We got connected and I heard her story. She wanted the school board to know about what he had done to her in light of what he was doing to the teacher and her husband. So, I went to the school board to facilitate a connection.

Instead of the Board meeting with the victim, some of the members took to social media calling me out for falsely accusing Hickey of rape.

Commence the doxxing.

Doxxing: When someone's private or personal information is disclosed publicly without their consent, predominantly on the internet. This sensitive data can encompass a range of details, including their real name, home address, phone number, email address, and other identifying information. Doxxing is conducted with malicious intent, aiming to harass, intimidate, or even incite harm against the individual whose information has been laid bare. It represents a grave violation of privacy, and the fallout can be significant, leading to emotional distress, harassment, and potential physical danger for the victim. It's crucial for individuals to safeguard their personal information and remain vigilant about their online presence to mitigate the risks associated with this disturbing trend.

While this story is for another day, suffice to say I spent two years and thousands of dollars defending my counseling license against frivolous claims unrelated to any care I've given, I lost an employment contract and had to file for bankruptcy.

A Michigan State Police Officer, Detective Sergeant Larry Rothman, did connect with the victim. And another. And yet, another.

The Washington Local Board of Education didn't fire Hickey. They allowed him to resign and they paid him (allegedly) around $250,000 as he exited. But that wasn't the end of Hickey in the district.

Hickey ran for and won a seat on the Washington Local Schools Board of Education in November 2017. His presence on the board led to significant community tension and polarization.

I'll write more about this story another time.

Patrick Hickey was sentenced to prison in 2019. He pleaded guilty to a charge of gross sexual imposition related to an incident that occurred in the 1990s. Hickey and his cult harassed me, my family and the two friends that stood behind me and supported me so hard that they almost succeeded and silencing others, as had been so successful for him in years past.

HICKEYLAND: Similar to the MAGA cult, members of the Washington Local Community were bamboozled by a predator with very poor impulse control.

As I learned later members of the WLS BOE knew about his disturbing past and did nothing to protect the 8,000 students or the female employees, most of whom were all googly-eyed over his dark charisma and they fought over him.

Literally, in the school parking lot.

Anyhoo - you get the gist.

Some of Hickey's most vehement supporters have come, gone and some remain on the Board of Education.

For example, Brady Hall was a student when the Hickey situation went down. Posing as an adult on social media, Hall spent copious amounts of time spreading misinformation about the Hickey case. His mother expressed her support and pride in him.

Hall was first elected to the Washington Local Schools Board of Education in 2021. He was convicted of underage drinking and driving under the influence in February 2024. Just before his 19th birthday he was pulled over for going 42 in a 25 under a suspended license.

The current BOE president Mike Murphy claims they can't fire him, so he remains on the board influencing our kids and our tax dollars.

Incidentally Murphy claims that the January 6th attack against the Capitol was a peaceful protest.

Basically, our kids are fucked if we don't do something different.

What To Do

The comparison between the OSU Strauss scandal, the Hickey controversy in Washington Local Schools, and other institutional failures underscores a troubling pattern: systems entrusted with protecting our children and students consistently fall short, often covering up or minimizing wrongdoing rather than confronting it head-on.

At The Ohio State University, despite public acknowledgment that Dr. Richard Strauss’s decades of abuse occurred, the university’s slow and guarded response, along with the defense by some alumni and faculty, exemplifies how institutional interests often take precedence over victim support.

Similarly, in Washington Local Schools, the administration and school board’s decision to allow Patrick Hickey to resign—despite evidence of his misconduct—and his subsequent return to influence district leadership spotlight a profound failure to safeguard students.

Both cases reveal a disturbing tendency for Ohio’s educational institutions and systems to prioritize reputation and denial over transparency and accountability. These failures perpetuate a cycle where abusers are protected, and victims are left unheard—erosion of trust that risks leaving our children more vulnerable. It’s clear that meaningful change is needed, starting with reforms that demand transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to keeping kids safe over protecting institutional reputation.

How to Take Action and Protect Our Democracy

In a time when institutional failures threaten the fabric of our society, the most powerful thing we can do is stay vigilant and active.

Here are seven #MakeChange actions inspired by On Tyranny to help us protect our social contracts and ensure a future rooted in truth and justice:

1. Watch and pay attention to your local school board. Stay informed about decisions affecting the education of the kids, regardless of whether or not you have a kid in school. Be involved and voice your concerns when necessary. You'll learn a lot about the future of our nation by listening to what your school board is doing.

   
   

2. Demand independence and trustworthiness from institutions. What are you supposed to be paying attention to, you ask? Transparency and accountability in schools, government, and community organizations—demand that they serve the public’s best interests. A school board president telling our kids that 1/6 was a peaceful protest is not in their best interest. Taking food resources away from single moms and kids is not in the public's best interest.

   
   

3. Practice Moral Courage. Admittedly, I didn't always handle being doxxed well. But if had it to do over again I'D DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. It takes courage to stand up for what’s right, even if it’s uncomfortable or risky. Courage I didn't know I had to be honest. It was scary and it really sucked at times. It was important though! Be willing to speak out against injustice and defend truth.

   
   

4. Protect the truth. Outrage is NOT TRUTH. Stop listening to the paid influencers on their podcasts and social media. Pope Leo wasn't even warm in the papal hat before a false quote from him was shared 'round the world. Stop being part of the misinformation loop and only share verified information, question sources, and challenge misinformation whenever you encounter it - which is ALL DAY EVERY DAY.

   
   

5. Resist normalizing an authoritarian government in the United States of America. Our society is not doing well right now. That is REALITY. More reality - it's because just over 77 million Americans voted for it because they have fallen victim to the lies. Reject rhetoric or policies that diminish our democracy, and advocate for the democratic values we hold dear - liberty and justice for all, not just white Boomer America.

   
   

6. Find your people and mobilize with them. Build supportive, like-minded communities that share your values, so collective action can create meaningful change. I joined Adam Kinzinger's non partisan group, Country First in 2022. I found conservatives and liberals alike talking about solutions in defending democracy. You're bright and capable, and you'll be super surprised at how many people feel just like you do.

   
   

7. GET INVOLVED — QUIT FIGHTING REALITY. Don’t retreat into denial; instead, engage actively in your community, local politics, and civic life. Your participation is vital to safeguarding our democracy. While nobody was knocking on my door to apologize to me for bankrupting me with the lies spread,

   I.WOULD.DO.IT.ALL.OVER.AGAIN. Why? BECAUSE I LOVE MY COMMUNITY AND I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR KIDS AND THE WORLD WE LEAVE THEM.

Every small action adds up. By staying vigilant, speaking out, and working together, we can reinforce the social contract and ensure that our society remains free, fair, and rooted in truth.

WE ARE IN CHARGE OF THESE INSTITUTIONS AND WE MUST PRESERVE THEM.

WE ARE ALL AMERICANS.