https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/04/24/nassar-msu-mediation/34219859/
I was wondering if they could make BOT/Engler resignations part of the deal, and that is mentioned as a possibility in the 2nd paragraph of the article.
Controversial demands are expected to emerge from both sides as Larry Nassar’s accusers and Michigan State University renew efforts Wednesday to settle hundreds of sex abuse lawsuits through mediation.
They could include a request from accusers that the entire MSU Board of Trustees resign, some say, or pressure from the university to drop proposed legislation that would extend the statute of limitations in a legislative package inspired by the scandal that spanned more than 20 years involving hundreds of women and girls.
There is a lot at stake, said John Manly, a California-based attorney who represents the bulk of Nassar’s accusers in litigation. He hopes the cases are resolved and there is a change in the culture at MSU so this never happens again.
“What is at stake here is the future of one of the finest universities in the nation,” Manly said. “There’s a fork in the road. One way is to healing and recovery and establishing Michigan State to the place it belongs. The other road is disaster for Michigan State and more pain for Nassar survivors.
“That choice is up to (interim MSU President) John Engler and the board. We hope, somehow, for the first time, they do the right thing.”
But will MSU be able to reach a settlement with a a group of plaintiffs that lawyers now say exceeds 300? Joel Ferguson, vice chair of the board, said he trusts those hired by MSU to reach a resolution on the civil lawsuits will be able to do so.
If the parties come to a resolution, it is expected to be one of the largest sexual assault settlements in history, far eclipsing the agreement Penn State University reached with victims in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Penn State’s agreement was reached with 33 victims, whereas MSU is facing nearly 10 times more plaintiffs.
Lawsuits from victims of Sandusky ended up costing $109 million in settlements. The former Nittany Lions football coach is serving 30-60 years in prison for the sexual abuse of boys.
The potential costs MSU is facing are still unclear. Estimates range from $500 million to $1 billion. Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney signed a confidentiality agreement with USA Gymnastics after reportedly reaching a settlement of $1.25 million over her Nassar abuse.
Scores of attorneys will be present at the mediation, along with representatives from the university’s insurance company and possibly some women who are part of the civil litigation. The mediation for MSU will be led by former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert Young Jr., whom Engler appointed in February.
I was wondering if they could make BOT/Engler resignations part of the deal, and that is mentioned as a possibility in the 2nd paragraph of the article.
Controversial demands are expected to emerge from both sides as Larry Nassar’s accusers and Michigan State University renew efforts Wednesday to settle hundreds of sex abuse lawsuits through mediation.
They could include a request from accusers that the entire MSU Board of Trustees resign, some say, or pressure from the university to drop proposed legislation that would extend the statute of limitations in a legislative package inspired by the scandal that spanned more than 20 years involving hundreds of women and girls.
There is a lot at stake, said John Manly, a California-based attorney who represents the bulk of Nassar’s accusers in litigation. He hopes the cases are resolved and there is a change in the culture at MSU so this never happens again.
“What is at stake here is the future of one of the finest universities in the nation,” Manly said. “There’s a fork in the road. One way is to healing and recovery and establishing Michigan State to the place it belongs. The other road is disaster for Michigan State and more pain for Nassar survivors.
“That choice is up to (interim MSU President) John Engler and the board. We hope, somehow, for the first time, they do the right thing.”
But will MSU be able to reach a settlement with a a group of plaintiffs that lawyers now say exceeds 300? Joel Ferguson, vice chair of the board, said he trusts those hired by MSU to reach a resolution on the civil lawsuits will be able to do so.
If the parties come to a resolution, it is expected to be one of the largest sexual assault settlements in history, far eclipsing the agreement Penn State University reached with victims in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Penn State’s agreement was reached with 33 victims, whereas MSU is facing nearly 10 times more plaintiffs.
Lawsuits from victims of Sandusky ended up costing $109 million in settlements. The former Nittany Lions football coach is serving 30-60 years in prison for the sexual abuse of boys.
The potential costs MSU is facing are still unclear. Estimates range from $500 million to $1 billion. Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney signed a confidentiality agreement with USA Gymnastics after reportedly reaching a settlement of $1.25 million over her Nassar abuse.
Scores of attorneys will be present at the mediation, along with representatives from the university’s insurance company and possibly some women who are part of the civil litigation. The mediation for MSU will be led by former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert Young Jr., whom Engler appointed in February.
