Michigan State University Forms Advisory Board for Sexual Violence Prevention

News Summary

Michigan State University has established a new advisory board to improve its relationship with survivors of sexual violence. Spearheaded by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and survivors, the board aims to enhance policies and create a safer environment on campus. This initiative marks a significant shift from MSU’s previous handling of the Larry Nassar scandal, emphasizing collaboration and responsiveness to survivor needs. The board will assess current practices and seek necessary improvements, representing a step towards accountability and support for those affected by sexual violence.

East Lansing, Michigan – In a significant development marking a change in its relationship with survivors of sexual violence, Michigan State University (MSU) has announced the formation of a new collaborative advisory board. This initiative, spearheaded by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz alongside survivors including Rachael Denhollander, Sterling Riethman, and Trinea Gonczar, aims to guide the university’s approach to sexual violence assessment and response.

The new advisory board represents a notable departure from MSU’s previous stance during the Larry Nassar scandal. Seven years ago, when Nassar was sentenced for sexual abuse, not a single representative from MSU attended the proceedings where over 150 survivors shared their harrowing testimonies. At that time, the university’s focus appeared to be primarily on minimizing legal exposure and managing public relations rather than addressing the needs and concerns of victims.

In the aftermath of widespread criticism, then-university president Lou Anna K. Simon attended just one day of the nearly two-week sentencing hearing, highlighting MSU’s previous disengagement from the survivor community. Rachael Denhollander, one of the first women to publicly accuse Nassar, had initially proposed changes to MSU’s policies in 2018, yet those suggestions were disregarded by the administration of the time.

With a new leadership team under President Guskiewicz, who has been in his position for 14 months, there is a renewed commitment to earnestly engage with survivors. The new board intends to establish a partnership that prioritizes policy enhancement, cultural shifts, and improved safety for both the campus and the surrounding community. Guskiewicz has expressed determination to involve survivors in discussions and seeks to cultivate a more responsive and inclusive environment.

Denhollander emphasized that the formation of this advisory panel is an important step in recognizing survivors as vital experts in discussions about safety and institutional response. While MSU’s acknowledgment of its historical shortcomings may be seen as a late intervention, the sentiment conveyed is that it is never too late to correct past mistakes and do what is right.

The collaborative nature of the advisory board intends to focus on an assessment of the university’s current policies and practices rather than conducting an investigatory inquiry. This strategic direction is aimed at uncovering and implementing necessary improvements to better support survivors and protect future students from similar abuses.

In the years since the Nassar sentencing, there has been a palpable change in MSU’s approach to working with the survivor community. Guskiewicz discussed the progress made in recent years but acknowledged there is still substantial work to be undertaken. The shift from an adversarial interaction to one characterized by collaboration and support represents institutional courage that is both rare and essential in the landscape of higher education.

Survivors, during their impactful testimonies in court, brought attention not only to their own suffering but also to MSU’s failings in protecting its students. The anger directed towards the university for its negligence has driven this new pact aimed at fostering a safer environment. As the advisory board begins its work, there is hope among survivors that their voices and experiences will finally lead to meaningful change within MSU.

This new relationship signifies that the institution is beginning to understand the complexities of sexual violence and the profound impact it has on individuals and their communities. With the formation of this board, MSU takes a pivotal step toward accountability and resilience, signifying a change that many survivors have long anticipated.

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Additional Resources

• Lansing State Journal
• Wikipedia: Michigan State University
• USA Today
• Google Search: Michigan State University sexual assault
• Detroit News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Harassment
• The State News
• Google News: MSU sexual violence

Author: HERE Novi