Feb. 28, 2018
Randolph Rasch is dean and professor of the College of Nursing.
I wrote this letter in response to the courageous survivor impact statements, the tragic events that occurred at the hands of Larry Nassar, the resignation of President Simon and this pivotal time of change at Michigan State and the College of Nursing.
The students, faculty and staff in the College of Nursing are heartbroken for the many people affected. We are shaken to the core and profoundly saddened.
As a College of Nursing, we have a responsibility to every individual in our College, the community and those we come in contact with during our work. The survivor’s stories change us, and we continue to draw strength from their courage. They are inspiring us to do better, to look inward and influence cultural and organizational change while advocating for the best health outcomes.
We are listening, we are sorry and we are committed to championing change.
We are working collaboratively with other colleges to recognize our failures as an institution. We will take the necessary actions to navigate through these difficult times with integrity, humility and compassion. As deans across the university, we are united and pledge to work hard at regaining the full trust of the communities we serve.
The College of Nursing has a professional concern as it touches on our duty to ensure quality and safety for patients, students and each other.
The nursing community takes care of the sick, helping them heal and inspiring hope in response to the human condition. We respect the dignity and moral wholeness of every person without conditions or limitations.
As Spartan Nurses, we are trusted professionals dedicated to promoting excellence in the care we provide and using the best evidence for practice to improve health outcomes. We will work tirelessly to reinforce these core values and be a resource for those affected by sexual assault.
We are committed to providing support for those in our community who may be affected by the recent events, and to engage in healing. To begin this vital step, we hosted a town-hall meeting with faculty and staff, we are visiting with students in a variety of venues to address their concerns and we are seeking input from diverse voices to learn how the College of Nursing can lead in the transformation of care.
In the weeks and months ahead, we will work together to have conversations that shape this time of change. Your voice is critical, and I welcome your input in rebuilding the future of Michigan State. Together, we will learn from this and emerge stronger than before.