Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has launched an investigation into nearly two decades of sexual misconduct at Michigan State University in an effort to understand how disgraced former USA gymnastics doctor Larry Nassarwas able to abuse young women for years before the university took action.
At a press conference Saturday, Schuette vowed to shine a “bright light” into every department at the university.
“It is abundantly clear that a full and complete investigation of what happened at Michigan State University, from the presidents office on down, is required,” Schuette said. “No individual or department is off limits.”
Retired Kent County prosecutor William Forsyth will serve as the special counsel heading the investigation, which will include assistance from the Michigan State police.
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Forsyth cautioned that the probe will take time, as investigators will have to interview more than 150 women who have accused Nassar of abuse, as well as track down former university administrators.
“I can’t promise that everybody is going to be satisfied with our report and what we find, but I can promises you that we’re going to work extremely hard at our task,” he said.
He vowed not to allow preconceived notions of guilt or innocence to drive the investigation.
“Quite frankly, I think that’s in part what got Michigan State in some trouble here in the sense that they withheld certain information — maybe because it was going to put them in a better light,” Forsyth said. “You simply can’t do that.”
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On Thursday, Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal sexual conduct in connection with seven minors. He has been accused of sexual misconduct by more than 150 women.
Later Thursday, Michigan State President Lou Anna Simon resigned amid criticism over how the school handled the Nassar scandal. And on Friday, Mark Hollis, Michigan State University’s athletic director, also announced he would be leaving the school.
USA Gymnastics on Friday complied with an ultimatum issued by the U.S. Olympic Committee and said its entire board of directors will resign within the week over its handling of the scandal.