Michigan State University Launches Sexual Assault Policy Review with Nassar Survivors

Michigan State University (MSU) is initiating a comprehensive institutional assessment of its policies, culture, and structure related to sexual assault and domestic violence, guided by a new Collaborative Advisory Board that includes three survivors of Larry Nassar's abuse: Rachael Denhollander, Trinea Gonczar, and Sterling Riethman. The board, which also includes experts like MSU professor Rebecca Campbell and retired MSU police Deputy Chief Andrea Munford, aims to identify gaps in prevention, support, reporting, and response efforts, and recommend survivor-centered best practices for improvement. MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz emphasized the university's commitment to historical accountability and continuous improvement, seeking to repair relationships with survivors and ensure future policies better protect students. This initiative follows longstanding criticism of MSU's previous handling of sexual misconduct cases, including the failure to adequately respond to Nassar's abuse, which led to over $500 million in settlements. The assessment will begin with establishing trauma-informed communication channels and will be conducted by an independent firm selected by the advisory board. Survivors and university officials expressed hope that this collaborative and transparent approach will lead to meaningful change and a safer campus environment.