In-House Counsel

The Absolute Worst In-House Job Right Now

Michigan State is facing investigations on multiple fronts.

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Larry Nassar (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

You think your job is bad? Does it include cleaning up the mess following (arguably) the worst sexual abuse scandal to ever rock higher education that left more than 250 victims in its wake? No? Then maybe you don’t have it so bad.

The in-house legal department at Michigan State University — the school that until recently employed Larry Nassar, the doctor sentenced to 40-125 years in prison for abusing young athletes entrusted to his care — is dealing with the repercussions of Nassar’s actions. According to Law.com, that includes 10 ongoing investigations.

Here are the some of the most serious matters on MSU’s legal plate:

Clery Act Investigation 

On January 18th the Department of Education announced they were looking into MSU’s compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. The law requires schools that participate in federal financial aid programs to maintain and disclose various crime statistics

Title IX Investigation

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On February 26th, the Department of Education announced they were also looking into MSU’s compliance with Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, saying:

“This new Title IX investigation will look at systemic issues in the university’s handling of sex-based incidents involving Dr. Larry Nassar. Our Office for Civil Rights team will be in East Lansing shortly where they will join the Federal Student Aid team already on site [performing the Clery Act review].”

NCAA Inquiry

MSU is also under pressure from the NCAA:

“The NCAA has sent a letter of inquiry to Michigan State University regarding potential NCAA rules violations related to the assaults Larry Nassar perpetrated against girls and young women, including some student-athletes at Michigan State.”

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Michigan Attorney General Investigation

The state AG’s office has started their own investigation:

“It is abundantly clear that a full and complete investigation of what happened at Michigan State University, from the president’s office on down, is required. This investigation is and will continue to be independent, thorough, transparent and prompt.”

And the former dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (Nassar’s supervisor), William Strampel, has been indicted on criminal sexual misconduct, willful neglect of duty, and misconduct by a public official charges.

Higher Learning Commission Inquiry

MSU is under “governmental investigation” by the Midwestern accreditation commission.

The purpose of the designation “is to inform the public that an investigation by governmental agencies warrants concern from HLC as the accrediting agency,” the commission said in its statement. It noted accreditation implications related to “institutional integrity, effective leadership, and processes for complaints and grievances, given the allegations present in the ongoing investigations of the university.”

Plus there are inquiries from the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee, Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives. Let’s not forget that former MSU General Counsel Robert Noto resigned in February amid criticism of his handling of the Nassar matter. That means that outside attorney Robert Young Jr., of counsel at Dickinson Wright, is leading the school’s responses.

Given the scope and horrific nature of Nassar’s crimes it makes sense that the legal clean up will be arduous.

headshotKathryn Rubino is an editor at Above the Law. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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