(No caption)
Michigan State University's president sent a three-page letter to all 38 state senators and 110 representatives last week to describe the school's handling of "a physician who called himself a Spartan [and] so utterly betrayed everyone’s trust." The text is posted by Michigan Radio. Below are portions, with subheads added.
By Lou Anna K. Simon
I am writing to you personally to provide an overview of how we are addressing the issues surrounding the terrible crimes committed by former MSU physician Larry Nassar and, more importantly, the steps we are taking to support his victims, ensure we create the safest campus environment possible and do our utmost to prevent something like this from ever happening again.
First and foremost, I want to repeat what I said at our Board of Trustees meeting in December: I am truly sorry for the abuse Nassar’s victims suffered, the pain it caused, and the pain it continues to cause. And I am sorry that a physician who called himself a Spartan so utterly betrayed everyone’s trust and everything for which the university stands. . . .
"You will likely continue to hear a variety of allegations and accusations against the university." (MSU Photography Services)
Our focus on victims is necessary and appropriate, both now and in the future. But we have also taken a hard look at ourselves to learn from what happened.
Since the fall of 2016, we have engaged external experts to comprehensively review various programs and recommend changes to strengthen our policies, procedures and systems -- including an examination of patient care and safety in our health clinics, our Title IX program and how medical services are provided to student-athletes and others.
'A vigorous defense'
In short, we have systematically reviewed and sought to improve every part of MSU’s operations that was in any way connected to Nassar and his work, with the clear purpose of achieving the highest standards to protect students, athletes and patients. . . .
While the criminal cases are moving toward a conclusion, the civil litigation against MSU, involving multiple cases filed on behalf of victims, is in its early stages. As it moves forward, I hope you will keep a few important points in mind.
First, MSU is entitled to . . . mount a vigorous defense of these cases -- as its insurers expect -- unless a reasonable settlement can be obtained. This means MSU’s lawyers will soon be making arguments in defense of the claims of civil liability. There is nothing extraordinary about such legal efforts – they are typical at this initial stage of civil litigation.
At the same time, I well understand that given Nassar’s horrendous acts, it will be easy to portray these arguments as disrespectful to the victims. Please know that the defenses raised on MSU’s behalf are in no way a reflection of our view of the victims, for whom we have the utmost respect and sympathy, but rather represent, as the Board has said, our desire "to protect MSU's educational and research missions."
Cover-Up Denial
Second, depending on the court’s rulings on the initial legal arguments, the parties may enter into a period of "discovery," in which each side will be able to review relevant documents and depose relevant witnesses to determine what happened and when. . . .
"It will be easy to portray [MSU's civil litigation] arguments as disrespectful to the victims."
(MSU Photography Services)
So, as the litigation progresses in the months ahead, you will likely continue to hear a variety of allegations and accusations against the university. I simply ask that you understand that MSU cannot litigate the cases in the media, and that many public assertions may go unchallenged unless or until they are addressed in open court.
Finally, as you may know, there have been requests that MSU release information regarding an internal review being conducted in preparation for the pending civil litigation by MSU's outside legal counsel, former U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. We have faced accusations that we are not being transparent and, worse, that we are engaging in a cover-up of the events surrounding Nassar's crimes. These accusations are untrue.
As we have said before, because the civil claims against MSU are active, we are limited in what we can say publicly. . . .
We understand and respect the public’s desire for information and details arising from the Nassar matter, which now spans 16 months. You have my commitment that we will continue to share whatever information we can with you and the public.
♦ Full text: A PDF of the Jan. 10 letter is here.
