The Michigan State University Faculty Senate passed a vote of no confidence in the schools’ Board of Trustees Tuesday.
Inside the International Center on MSU’s campus, students and faculty voiced their frustrations with the Board of Trustees. They say the Board of Trustees hasn’t protected its students against sexual assault.
The school has faced backlash recently over how it has handled sexual assault complaints. Most notably, complaints against former MSU sports doctor Larry Nassar. Nassar was recently sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting patients.
Doctor Shawnee Vickery voted against the measure. She says the motivation behind the vote was the appointment of former governor John Engler as interim president.
"This vote of no confidence should be about the failure of MSU to stop Larry Nassar. And the failure of MSU to support the women,” Vickery said.
It’s a symbolic vote that doesn’t carry any legal weight, nor will the board be forced to step down. But the faculty hopes it sends a message.
Professor Robert LaDuca voted in favor of no confidence.
“There’s a gangrene in the university. They are responsible for it. They must leave,” LaDuca said.
The measure passed 61 to 4.
