MPR News Chief Meteorologist Paul Huttner signs off

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support


The U.S. Department of Education has levied a $4.5 million fine against Michigan State University for its "systemic failure" to address the sexual abuse committed by Larry Nassar, the MSU and USA Gymnastics doctor 

 sexually assaulting his patients for decades. 

The fine that was announced Thursday came after two investigations ordered by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos.

"What happened at Michigan State University was abhorrent," DeVos said on a call with reporters Thursday. "The crimes for which Larry Nassar and [former Michigan State dean] William Strampel have been convicted are disgusting and unimaginable. So, too, was the university's response to their crimes. This must not happen again — there or anywhere else."

Last year Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison for abusing dozens of girls and young women under the guise of providing medical treatment. He was also hit with a separate sentence of 

 for the abuse, and another 60-year federal prison term for child pornography.

Strampel led the university's college of osteopathic medicine during Nassar's tenure at the school. He, too, faces prison time for his role in the abuse scandal: In June, Stampel 

 of two counts of willful neglect of duty and one count of felony misconduct for sexually harassing female students in his own right.


Crime, Law and Justice

Colin Dwyer

Author

For decades Nassar, a university doctor, sexually abused female patients under the guise of medical treatment. Now, the Department of Education is punishing the school for its "abhorrent" response.

Michigan State University to pay $4.5 million fine over Larry Nassar scandal

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox