In a recent development, Michigan State University (MSU) has come under severe criticism from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Governor, an alumnus of the university, expressed her disappointment with the institution's leadership, citing a lack of unity and accountability amid a series of scandals.
"Right now, there are too many questions and not enough answers. The university owes it to students, alumni and our entire state to get to the bottom of this and take appropriate action," Whitmer stated. Her comments followed a series of incidents that have put the university in a negative light.
Over the weekend, two trustees voiced their support for the removal of board chair Rema Vassar. Trustee Brianna Scott accused Vassar of "bullying" other trustees and attempting to single-handedly negotiate a settlement with a dean who was dismissed in 2022. Scott also claimed that Vassar has refused to allow her phone to be examined to ascertain if a trustee leaked the name of a woman who accused former football coach Mel Tucker of sexual harassment.
In addition to these internal disputes, MSU has also faced public backlash for displaying an image of Adolf Hitler on the scoreboard during the Michigan-MSU football game. The university has since apologized, attributing the incident to an external contractor responsible for pregame content.
The university's leadership has been unstable, with Samuel Stanley Jr. resigning as president last year due to perceived interference by trustees. Interim President Teresa Woodruff has withdrawn her candidacy for the permanent position, making her the fourth leader to depart since Lou Anna Simon's resignation in 2018 following the Larry Nassar scandal.
Nassar, a former campus doctor, was found guilty of sexually assaulting athletes, predominantly female gymnasts. This scandal, among others, has left the university grappling with a crisis of leadership and accountability.
Vassar, a Democrat and professor at Wayne State University in Detroit, who was elected to MSU's board in 2020, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the allegations against her and the university's leadership.
Login