New investigation launched into Jim Jordan’s behavior in Ohio State sexual abuse scandal
When it comes to morality, decency, or even just doing the “right” thing, it is beyond apparent that a vast chasm exists between the Democrats and Republicans in Congress as to whether or not they value such ideals. When former Senator Al Franken was accused last year of inappropriately touching women, Democrats were quick to demand Franken’s resignation. Compare that to when Republicans nominated a man for president who has dozens of accusers of sexual harassment, assault, and even rape. The same party backed a candidate for Senate with multiple credible witnesses accusing him of sexual assault of underage girls. Then there is Congressman Jim Jordan, whom several former Ohio State wrestlers claim ignored their pleas to intervene when the team doctor was molesting them.
Did Republicans immediately request any of these men to withdraw their nomination or resign? Absolutely not. In fact, they doubled down and voiced their support of accused rapists, pedophiles, and sexual assault enablers, while attacking the victims. While those standing up for morality will forever be remembered on the right side of history, it is important to realize that lacking empathy, remorse, or goodwill, Republicans will never act the way we ourselves would. This fact has only been made worse in the age of Trump.
The GOP is so willing to ignore credible accusations, Jordan is already getting support for Speaker of the House, should Republicans hold power following the midterm elections. In an interview with CNBC’s John Harwood, Republican Congressman Steve Stivers repeatedly voiced his personal backing of Jordan. Asked about the allegations against Jordan by multiple wrestlers, Stivers stated “I know there have been some statements both ways.” Repeating Trump’s claim of good people “on both sides” following the Charlottesville white supremacist rally appears to be the go to statement for Republicans lately.
Fortunately for those seeking justice, a second investigation into the claims against Jordan is underway. The Department of Education has announced that an investigation run by its Office for Civil Rights will look into the abuse claims. This is in addition to a class-action lawsuit that mentions Jordan multiple times as an Ohio State employee who knew about the students’ complaints. According to an NBC News report, “One said he had told Jordan about it directly, and his account was corroborated by another wrestler.”
One former wrestler, Mike DiSabato, made a video of former head coach Russ Hellickson, Jordan’s mentor, which supports DiSabato’s position. DiSabato is now speaking out saying “I considered Jim Jordan a friend,” DiSabato said. “But at the end of the day, he is absolutely lying if he says he doesn’t know what was going on.” With all of these accusations by individuals that had relied on Jordan to protect them, it is appalling, but not surprising, that Republicans still support him. With less than three months to the midterms, hopefully the voters in Ohio’s fourth district put morality over party and vote Jordan out.
I’m a ceramic engineer living in Central New York, avid sports fan but find myself more interested in politics lately.