SURVIVING NASSAR
Ex-MSU and USA gymnastics physician, Larry Nassar put Michigan State University in the national spotlight in January of 2018.
He abused more than 400 young female athletes, including Olympic gymnasts as a physician for years. The survivors who came forward, many now married and with children of their own, read their impact statements in Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's courtroom directly to Nassar and their powerful words were heard across the world.
The months leading up to and following his sentencing left the entire student body, and MSU community reeling. Students marched and protested to express their distrust with the MSU Board of Trustees and school administrators.
The long term effects of Nassar's abuse continue to be felt in the MSU community as they try to navigate uncharted territory and try to move forward from the scandal.
A woman grabs a teal ribbon representing solidarity with sexual assault survivors during the Addy Awards on March 14, 2018 at Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center. Each ribbon was pinned by a name of a student who had been sexually assaulted on MSU's campus.
Global and international studies senior Amal Matovu speaks while RCHA professor Tama Hamilton-Wray holds her arm during the the town hall meeting on Feb. 1, 2018 at Kellogg Center.“I have been raped two times on this campus. I still cannot get out of bed, I’m an international student and all you want from me is my money,” said Matovu. “I am so tired of crying.” “I think the students have been failed, and it just breaks my heart,” said Hamilton.
The MSU women’s rowing team lock arms while walking to meet with the Board of Trustees on Jan 29, 2018 at Hannah Administration Building. The team compiled a list of their expectations in regards to how MSU handles sexual assault in the future to present at the meeting. Larry Nassar served as the rowing team’s physician from 1998-2016 and survivors of his abuse still remain on MSU women’s rowing team.
Drew Cook helps Morgan McCaul, a survivor of Nassar’s abuse tie a gag that reads "silenced" around her mouth during a Board of Trustees meeting on Dec 15, 2017 at the Hannah Administration Building. Protesters gathered to address the misconduct of MSU’s handling of the Larry Nassar investigation.
President Simon listens to victims speak during a board of trustees meeting on Dec 15, 2017 at the Hannah Administration Building. Protesters and victims of Nassar's abuse including Jessica Smith, Morgan McCaul and Larissa Boyce gathered to address the misconduct of MSU’s handling of the Larry Nassar investigation.
Pictured is a photo of the Board of Trustees on Jan 29, 2018 at the Hannah Administration Building. Former President Simon's photo has been removed.
Gwen Anderson, accompanied by her former coach Thomas Brennan, tearfully addresses Nassar during her impact statement on Jan. 17, 2018, at the Veterans Memorial Court at 313 W Kalamazoo St. Lansing. "I want to my two boys and students to see me stand up for what is right." said Anderson.
Ex- MSU physician Larry Nassar listens to Judge Cunningham on the third and final day of sentencing on Feb. 5, 2018 in the Eaton County courtroom. Nassar faced three counts of criminal sexual conduct in Eaton County and was sentenced up to 125 years for sexually abusing female gymnasts and athletes.
Computer engineering senior Ciaron Hamilton cheers during the protest on Jan. 26, 2018 on Grand River Ave. The peaceful protest was organized by students in support of sexual assault survivors and demanding change from Michigan State University in the wake of the Nassar abuse scandal.
Elementary education senior Bethany Kogut stands in line wearing buttons she made. One with the newly appointed interim president John Engler's face and the other incribed with the words "Listen to us" while waiting to enter the town hall meeting on Feb. 1, 2018 at Kellogg Center. “I’m here to to support survivors. I think it's really important that our voices are heard and that we can speak with people that can make decisions, and also with people around us so that they feel supported,” said Kogut.
The statue of John A. Hannah was wrapped with caution tape during the Rally for Resignations on April 20, 2018 at the Hannah Administration Building.
Comparative cultures sophomore Natalie Rogers holds her sign high while faculty senate members vote during an emergency meeting to vote no confidence in the MSU Board of Trustees on Feb. 13, 2018 at the International Center. "We're here to show support for the faculty," said Rogers. The faculty voted no confidence 61-4 in the MSU Board of Trustees.
Dearborn resident, Tammy Bourque-Stemas grips her daughter and Nassar survivor Alexandra Borque while listening to a speaker at the Rally for Resignations on April 20, 2018 outside of the Hannah Administration Building. “It’s been 17 years, and I’m just finding out now," said Stemas. "As a mother, my rights were taken away too because I didn’t know so I couldn’t protect her. I would’ve parented different if I knew things."
Psychology sophomore, Rosemary Kuerbitz looks attends the Rally for Resignations on April 20, 2018 outside the Hannah Administration Building.
Lilia Cosman, 12 and her sister Amanda, 14, a Nassar survivor light candles on Oct. 10, 2019 at the East Lansing Public Library. POSSE lit 505 luminaries signifying the known survivors Larry Nassar at the East Lansing Public Library, before President Stanley’s meeting with survivors.