Michigan State president resigns amid sexual abuse scandal

Michigan State University (MSU) President Lou Anna Simon resigned Wednesday amid criticism over her handling of a sexual abuse scandal.

Simon’s decision comes the same day Larry Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for sexually abusing women and girls while he was a doctor for the university and for USA Gymnastics. 

Simon’s resignation letter was posted to the school’s website.

Simon became the school’s first female president in 2004.

Though she initially received support from school officials, Simon faced mounting pressure in recent days to step down from alumni and state lawmakers.

“As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable,” Simon wrote in her resignation letter. “As president, it is only natural that I am the focus of this anger. I understand, and that is why I have limited my personal statements.”

“I have spent my entire professional career, more than 40 years, at MSU. I love this place,” her statement continues. “I have watched it grow and prosper, and it has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve as its president since 2005, and over the last few years, to have the opportunity to work with all of you toward our shared goals for MSU.”

More than 150 women testified against Nassar in recent days, with some railing against the university’s response to his actions.

The NCAA will investigate Michigan State University’s handling of abuse claims against Nassar after multiple reports that school officials ignored complaints about him, CNN reported.