USA Today says multiple sources report that Michigan State University (MSU) has recently settled lawsuits with victims of Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics and MSU doctor. During his tenure, he has sexually abused hundreds of his patients—most of whom were young women and girls—on MSU’s campus.
If you’re thinking that it’s unlikely that MSU never heard anything despite the high number of Nassar victims, you’re absolutely correct. MSU got numerous reports over the years but failed to take action. Part of the reason why could be explained by the March arrest of Nassar’s former boss at MSU: College of Osteopathic Medicine dean William Strampel. Investigators say that they found footage of at least one of Nassar’s assaults on his computer. Birds of a feather.
With Nassar’s conviction and Strampel’s arrest, there’s more than enough evidence to show that MSU could have acted sooner to end the abuser—and some administration may have actively covered it up. It’s reported that the official announcement will be made on Wednesday.
Attorney Jamie White, who represented dozens of women who sued the university, confirmed the settlement.
He said $425 million is to be paid now and $75 million will be held in reserve. White said this is a chance for the women to begin to move forward.
“I don’t think they can ever be made whole, bit this is a step in the right direction,” he said.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused, it’s the least the school can do—especially when we consider the lifelong economic impact of being sexually abused.