One of the leading voices for the victims of Dr. Larry Nassar says she opposes the choice of former Michigan Governor John Engler to lead Michigan State University until a permanent replacement can be found.
Nassar was sentenced earlier this month to up to 175 years in prison after nearly 200 sexual assault victims testified at his sentencing hearing. The abuses have been ongoing for over 20 years.
Rachael DenHollander says that Engler, who will take over after Lou Anna K. Simon resigned last week, is an MSU insider who is not independent enough to clean house.
According to the Detroit News:
“Reaction to Engler’s pending hire was mixed, earning praise from some observers but criticism from a Nassar victim who helped expose the scandal by taking her accusations public in September 2016.
“I am disappointed and dismayed that the Board would select a political insider with close ties to MSU and MSU insiders at a point we most critically need outside leadership and accountability,” said Rachael Denhollander.
“The Board made great statements about outside accountability, but when they act, it’s clear it is business as usual, institution before the victims. We need a truly outside perspective, and Engler is the polar opposite of that.”
Engler was Michigan’s Governor from 1991-2003. He is a graduate of MSU.
