During their regularly scheduled December meeting, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees authorized the administration to begin the process of sharing privileged documents related to the attorney general’s investigation into Larry Nassar. As this process begins, the university will develop a trauma-informed plan to provide the necessary support and resources to the individuals impacted by the release of the documents.
“We are sorry for the hurt and pain that survivors have endured and continue to experience,” said Board Chair Rema Vassar, Ph.D. “For some, this decision is a critical and welcomed step forward as we collectively and carefully work to bring closure for survivors. We also know that revisiting this investigation will be painful for many, and we will diligently work to provide the utmost compassion, care, and supportive resources to those who need it most. Today’s decision to waive privilege delivers on a call for renewed transparency, restored accountability, and revived trust.”
Earlier this year, in a collective, unified effort, the board members participated in professional development, focused on shared governance and its role as a governing body. As a result, the board developed eight new shared governance principles that align with the university’s code of ethics, underscoring their commitment to transparency, integrity and responsibility. While the board had already shared the principles with faculty and student leaders this week, it also formally adopted the principles during the public meeting.
“We acknowledge and are committed to using these principles,” Vassar said. “As a publicly elected governing body bound by oath to the constitution of the state of Michigan and the duties of the Office of Trustee, we pledge to continue working in a manner that is not only compliant with the laws and regulations, but also ethically sound. Furthermore, we are appreciative of President-elect Kevin Guskiewicz’s shared commitment in this endeavor, pledging his signed support of these new governing principles.”
Trustees also took the following actions during Friday’s meeting:
- Approved an integrated Facilities and Land Use Plan for MSU and revisions to the University Zoning Ordinance
- Approved necessary infrastructure upgrades to the MSU Museum
- Approved the acquisition of farmland to support the MSU Dairy Teaching and Research Center
- Established the Department of Physician Assistant Medicine within the College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Recognized 62 graduating seniors with the Board of Trustees’ Award, recognizing their achievement of the highest scholastic average one can receive, a 4.0 GPA