News Summary
In the aftermath of the Larry Nassar scandal, Michigan State University has established an advisory board with sexual abuse survivors to improve its policies on sexual violence. This initiative aims to address past criticisms of the university’s handling of abuse cases, and seeks to foster meaningful reforms and greater accountability. Survivors shared their experiences, urging for transparency and necessary changes within the institution. MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and ensuring the safety of all students in the university community.
East Lansing, Michigan – In a significant development in the aftermath of the Larry Nassar scandal, Michigan State University (MSU) has announced the formation of a collaborative advisory board with sexual abuse survivors to address the institution’s policies and responses towards sexual violence. This initiative was unveiled during a press conference attended by Rachael Denhollander, a prominent figure among Nassar’s survivors, along with fellow advocates Sterling Riethman and Trinea Gonczar, and MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz.
The establishment of the advisory board comes after widespread criticism of MSU’s past handling of sexual violence cases, particularly the university’s absence during Nassar’s sentencing hearings in 2018. At the hearings, over 150 survivors, including Denhollander, expressed their traumatic experiences; however, MSU had no representation present, leading to accusations that the university prioritized public relations and legal settlements over genuine support for the victims.
MSU’s former president, Lou Anna K. Simon, was notably criticized for her limited attendance at the hearings, which further fueled discontent among the survivor community. Under scrutiny, the university has since settled more than $500 million in legal claims related to the abuse scandal and has implemented changes to various policies in response to the crisis.
Denhollander expressed optimism about the new advisory board, highlighting its potential to facilitate meaningful institutional reforms and improve safety within the MSU community. This move marks a shift in MSU’s leadership from its prior practices, with President Guskiewicz actively seeking to reengage with survivors to foster an environment of transparency and accountability.
The advisory board’s primary focus will be to conduct an institutional assessment and develop recommendations aimed at better addressing sexual violence within the university. Guskiewicz acknowledged that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to address past failures and restore trust with the survivor community.
Historically, the response from MSU was viewed as lacking empathy, particularly during the highly publicized hearings conducted by Judge Rosemarie E. Aquilina. Survivors described these hearings as both therapeutic and necessary for holding institutions accountable for their roles in enabling Nassar’s abuse. Many voiced their frustrations about MSU’s previous detachment from the victim community, which they felt highlighted the university’s inadequate approach to supporting those affected.
Kaylee Lorincz, another survivor, has shared her disappointment in interactions with university leadership, illustrating how past efforts seemed more focused on settling claims rather than addressing the underlying issues faced by survivors. Moving forward, the advisory board will play a crucial role in examining MSU’s existing policies and practices regarding sexual violence.
In addition to the formation of the advisory board, a new group known as “Posse,” comprised of survivors and their families, has called for an investigation into the actions of MSU’s board members. Allegations have surfaced regarding board members engaging in secret voting pertaining to the release of crucial documents related to the Nassar scandal, which might affect the level of accountability within the institution. A lawsuit has also been filed in Ingham County by survivors seeking the disclosure of approximately 6,000 documents that MSU has withheld.
Among the survivors, Melissa Brown Hudecz underscored the necessity for transparency and accountability in fostering healing within the community and enhancing overall safety. The advisory board represents a commitment by MSU to not only learn from its past mistakes but also to prioritize the voices and needs of survivors moving forward as it seeks to create a safer environment for its students.
The findings and recommendations from the advisory panel will be closely watched, as many hope these efforts signify a long-term change in MSU’s handling of sexual violence cases, paving the way for a more supportive and accountable institutional culture.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Michigan State Aligns With Larry Nassar Survivors
- WLIX: Parents of Nassar Survivors Call for Investigation
- Lansing State Journal: MSU Sexual Assault Review
- CNN: Larry Nassar Survivors Lawsuit Against Michigan State
- NBC News: Michigan State’s Nassar Documents Released
