Michigan lawmakers call for university president’s ouster over gymnastics sexual abuse scandal

Michigan lawmakers want the president of Michigan State University removed over the school’s handling of allegations that sports physician Larry Nassar, who was sentenced Wednesday to up to 175 years in prison, was sexually assaulting athletes. 

 

The state House on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for MSU’s president, Lou Anna Simon, to either resign tor be fired by the school’s governing board, The Associated Press reported.

 

Lawmakers said they don’t have confidence that Simon can lead a thorough and transparent investigation into Nassar’s crimes, according to the AP.

 

The university’s board has stood behind Simon while the state’s attorney general conducts a review.{mosads}

 

Nassar was sentenced earlier Wednesday to 40 to 175 years for the sexual assault of dozens of girls.

 

Judge Rosemarie Aquilina said it was her “honor and privilege” to sentence him, and added “I just signed your death warrant” after issuing the sentence.

 

More than 150 women from both Michigan State and USA Gymnastics testified that Nassar molested them while treating them for injuries.  

 

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) has called on Congress to investigate the Nassar scandal. USA Gymnastics is a national organization that is approved by federal legislators.