A Time to Listen and Learn

Over the past few months, abuse survivors and Spartans have spoken bravely and passionately. Now as we join together as a campus community to process what has happened, and how it happened, we can help light the way forward.

Never before in our alma mater’s 163-year history has it faced such pain, such turmoil and such scrutiny.

Alongside our most celebrated moments—the incredible research and teaching, the great scholarship and the academic successes—lurked a predator who settled in as a trusted sports medicine doctor in 1996. Under the guise of medical treatment and shielded by highly regarded credentials—including a position with USA Gymnastics— Larry Nassar gained access to those under our care.

As scores of women bravely came forward to share their stories, the news ignited our shock, shame and anger. Their faces and voices are seared in our collective memory. Adding to the pain, Nassar’s actions were not the only problem.

LEST WE FORGET Survivors and their families tied 250 teal ribbons on trees across campus after Nassar’s sentencing.

STUDENT SENTIMENT A passerby channels solidarity with survivors, whose names were emblazoned on the Rock last year.

#GOTEAL Students created their own campaign to raise awareness of survivors and to urge their peers to report sexual assault and harassment.

STUDENT AND CAMPUS RALLY IN 2018 Marches and rallies at the Rock brought the MSU community together to call for changes in the wake of the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal. Images 4-7 and 10

SURVIVORS SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER: In 2018 survivor and community members were present at many public meetings to show suppoprt for each other.

Allegations surfaced that some of our officials mishandled abuse claims, policies and procedures—leaving our community outraged and demanding to know who knew what, and when.

Our faculty and students protested. And you expressed your disgust in countless phone calls, emails, social media posts and letters.

Former President Lou Anna K. Simon resigned. Athletics Director Mark Hollis retired. The Board of Trustees (BOT), an elected body, changed course. And a former dean was arrested.

Three criminal cases called into question our institutional procedures and triggered fury both at home and around the world. Nassar pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges, then pleaded guilty in two state courtrooms to charges of first-degree criminal sexual assault. In addition, numerous civil lawsuits have been fi led by Nassar’s survivors.

At press time, multiple investigations and inquiries are underway. The NCAA is seeking information about any rules violations, and, at the BOT’s request, the Michigan Attorney General’s office is conducting an investigation of events surrounding the case.

Reflecting on its failings and its future, MSU’s interim president, John Engler, a former Michigan governor and Spartan alumnus, has pledged to right the ship. In late April, MSU returned to mediation in hope that survivors’ lawsuits will be settled out of court. Engler is also looking at MSU’s organizational structure, taking steps to change where necessary, and examining how we failed.

To be certain, this is only a beginning, not a conclusion. We believe that, with decisive action and open dialogue, MSU can emerge from this tragedy as a leader and a model for safer campuses and workplaces across the country.

In this special issue of Spartan magazine, we embrace this opportunity to reflect as a community. You will find personal essays from alumni, faculty and students. Their words offer perspective. They provide insight into what happened.

If we listen, if we choose to hear what is being said, we will see the path forward.