Contextualizing a Crisis: Examining Michigan State University Press Releases and the Larry Nassar Scandal

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Master's Theses

Summer 8-2021

Courtney Robinson University of Southern Mississippi

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This Masters Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by The Aquila Digital Community. It has been accepted for inclusion in Master's Theses by an authorized administrator of The Aquila Digital Community. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CONTEXTUALIZING A CRISIS: EXAMINING MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS RELEASES AND THE LARRY NASSAR SCANDAL

Courtney Robinson

A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate School, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Communication at The University of Southern Mississippi in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts

Approved by:

Vanessa Murphree Ph.D., Committee Chair Steven Venette, Ph.D. John Meyer, Ph. D.

August 2021

Courtney Robinson

2021

Published by the Graduate School

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to conduct a contextual analysis of press releases published by Michigan State University following a 2016 scandal that accused long-term physician Larry Nassar of sexually abusing more than 250 young women and girls under the guise of medical care. Specifically, the researcher was concerned with the image repair strategies employed by Michigan State as it attempted to respond to accusations that university personnel were aware of Nassar’s actions and had failed to act. The institution found itself responding to a series of distinct, yet related, crises, which were documented in a series of press releases, serving as the units of analysis for this body of research.

The analysis revealed that the university employed multiple repair strategies to respond to the Nassar case and subsequent scandals, as did individuals speaking on behalf of the institution. All five image repair discourse categories – Denial, Evading

Responsibility, Reducing Offensiveness, Corrective Action, and Mortification – presented – although not all subcategories were present. The researcher found that the most employed strategy was Reducing Offensiveness followed by Corrective Action. A secondary goal of this study was to encourage the development of further research on higher education crisis communication, as current literature suggests that colleges and universities are typically reactive in selecting a crisis strategy response plan.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The most incredible thanks to Dr. Vanessa Murphree, my committee chair, who was a continued support during this process. Her guidance, encouragement, and assistance were unparalleled, and I know that I could not have completed this endeavor without her. She helped me bring this idea to fruition, and I could not be more grateful.

Additionally, I thank my committee members, Drs. Steven Venette and John Meyer, who provided additional support and guidance. This committee encouraged me to push myself as an academic, as a scholar, and as a writer, to see what I could achieve.

iii

DEDICATION

To those who listened and believed.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ...... ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... iii

DEDICATION ...... iv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ...... vi

CHAPTER I – A SCANDAL UNFOLDING: THE RISE OF LARRY NASSAR ...... 1

CHAPTER II – LITERATURE REVIEW ...... 12

CHAPTER III - METHODOLOGY ...... 23

APPENDIX A – List of Press Releases ...... 42

APPENDIX B – Analyzed Text ...... 53

APPENDIX C – Benoit’s Image Repair Typology...... 86

REFERENCES ...... 87

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

IRT Image Repair Theory

MSU Michigan State University

OSU Ohio State University

USAG U.S.A. Gymnastics

CHAPTER I – A SCANDAL UNFOLDING: THE RISE OF LARRY NASSAR

In 2016, Michigan State University (MSU) was launched into a public relations crisis when the Indianapolis Star published an article claiming gymnastics coaches associated with USA Gymnastics (USAG) sexually abused athletes for years and that

USAG failed to investigate or report the accusations to law enforcement (Kwiatkowski et al., 2016). The initial article, which did not mention Dr. Larry Nassar or Michigan State, was the first of many exposes detailing emerging accusations of long-term sexual abuse.

The scandal generated waves through the athletic world and eventually springboard the university onto front pages and home pages worldwide.

Following the initial article, reports detailing allegations against Nassar proliferated news cycles for months, as court records and lawsuits detailed allegations of abuse dating back to the 1990s. The first reports, dated 1992, detailed multiple lawsuits citing Nassar’s inappropriate sexual conduct during medical examinations, although these complaints would go unaddressed, allowing Nassar to continue to sexually abuse young girls for more than three decades (Frederick et al., 2021; Kirby, 2018; Rentner & Young,

2019).

In 2014, two years before the article was published, MSU investigated – and cleared – Nassar of any wrongdoing after he was accused of sexually assaulting a student during a medical examination. In 2015, between the completion of Michigan State’s investigation and the IndyStar article, then-USAG President Steve Penny notified law enforcement of concerns about Nassar (Rentner & Young, 2019), after he was accused of

“abusing young women and girls for nearly three decades, touching their breasts and buttocks and penetrating them vaginally or anally with his hands, without using gloves or

medical lubricant” (Pesta, 2019, p. 15), actions he claimed to be legitimate sports medicine treatments, in direct opposition to experts in the medical field. After the article was published, former gymnast Rachael Denhollander filed a criminal complaint against

Nassar with MSU Police, alleging she was sexually abused in 2000. The next day, MSU terminated Nassar from his position as an associate professor in the College of

Osteopathic Medicine and relieved him of training duties (“Who is Larry Nassar?,”

2018).

Nassar was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges in

November 2016. A month later, he was indicted for possessing 37,000 images of child pornography, ultimately pleading guilty and receiving a 60-year federal prison sentence.

In late 2017, Nassar also pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct and was sentenced to

40 to 125 years in prison for his crimes (Pesta, 2019). The investigation and subsequent court proceedings shook the world and the Michigan State community, including 50,000 students, as the institution attempted to address the accusations.

The news launched multiple investigations, resignations, terminations, and charges. President Lou Anna K. Simon, College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean William

Strampel, and gymnastics coach Kathie Klages left Michigan State; all would later face criminal charges (Pesta, 2019; Rentner & Young, 2019; Stripling, 2019a). University athletic director Mark Hollis and university lawyer Robert Noto announced their retirements during the scandal. Dr. Brooke Lemmen, a Nassar colleague accused of removing files from the facility, resigned from her position (Brown, 2018b). Later, interim President John Engler and general counsel Bob Young would leave MSU. The

outrage and prolonged exposure to Nassar’s crimes positioned Michigan State to respond to multiple crises simultaneously.

Examining the responses using image repair theory can provide valuable insight into the response to Nassar and subsequent crises. Per Benoit (1997), image is essential to organizations, so reputational damage can be significant, especially if mishandled. When a reputation is threatened, communicative actions are employed to present an image defense, including explanations, justifications, excuses, rationalizations, and apologies

(Holtzhausen & Roberts, 2009). By employing image repair strategies, organizations can attempt to mitigate long-term damage to their reputations (Benoit, 1997).

Crisis communication models are predicated on reducing, redressing, or avoiding damage to reputations from perceived wrongdoing. When facing allegations of wrongdoing, attempts to justify or explain are innate, as entities seek to restore positive reputations (Benoit, 1995). Many communication scholars have developed and advanced crisis communication responses, including Benoit, who developed image repair theory

(IRT) after researching how apologies and excuses can help restore an image. Benoit

(1995) characterizes IRT as a general rather than comprehensive theory due to human behavior's complex nature and image restoration goals’ pervasiveness. To date, IRT has been applied to various crisis responses; this research will further apply it to a scandal that shook the higher education community.

Research Purpose and Thesis Statement

Appropriate and effective public relations communication strategies are heightened when an organization is presented with a crisis; this response is necessary because the organization may be partially responsible (Benoit, 1995; Brinson & Benoit,

1999). When organizations face allegations of wrongdoing, Benoit’s theory posits that using various communication techniques can help redress the allegations (Brinson &

Benoit, 1999). While many crisis communication strategies exist, this research relies on

Benoit’s image repair theory as a theoretical model; this theory is often used to help direct messages during crises (Benoit, 1997). Specifically, this researcher is concerned with MSU’s image repair strategies presented in a series of press releases.

The purpose of this study is to gain an understanding of the context used by

Michigan State University in press releases addressing the Nassar scandal. This research is essential not only because of the massive public outrage following the Nassar scandal and the demands for resolution, but also to address the literature gap following large- scale higher educational crises. In recent years, colleges and universities have experienced crises and scandals that have dominated the news media and shaped public perceptions of the institutions. Some of the most prominent examples include Baylor

University football’s sexual assault scandal, Jerry Sandusky’s conviction for child sexual abuse at Penn State, allegations of sexual abuse against long-time Ohio State physician

Richard Strauss, and accusations of sexual misconduct against former USC gynecologist

Dr. George Tyndall (Brown et al., 2015; Mitroff et al., 2006; Toppo, 2018). Despite the expansive media coverage addressing the Nassar scandal, little research examines MSU’s response strategies; this research aims to fill that gap.

For higher education practitioners, public perception of institutional integrity is crucial to recruiting and retaining students, maintaining alumni and community support, and ensuring that the institution’s brand is positively renowned in the public sphere.

While scandals and crises are often unavoidable, many are not; how institutions respond

to public outrage can help maintain public perceptions. Image repair can take different shapes and forms, depending on the crisis and perceived level of responsibility.

Each of the releases were analyzed using image repair theory, which public relations professionals often use to implement strategies that can be used to restore an image after it has been damaged during a crisis. Each release was coded into Benoit’s strategies: denial, evading responsibility, reducing offensiveness, corrective action, and mortification.

Research Questions

RQ1: Which image repair strategies were evident in Michigan State University’s

response to the Larry Nassar scandal?

RQ2: How did the response change over time?

Background

The August 2016 Indianapolis Star triggered several Nassar victims to speak publicly about the abuse they faced at the doctor’s hands, highlighting patterns of abuse that spanned decades and spawning inquiries as to how Nassar’s actions went largely undetected.

Nassar’s ascent at Michigan State and USAG began when a young Larry abandoned dreams of being a runner to enter a new field: sports medicine and athletic training at the high school level. As a North Farmington High School student, Nassar began taping ankles and stretching hamstrings. Soon, he was working with multiple athletic teams, including girls’ gymnastics. He pursued a kinesiology degree at the

University of Michigan before enrolling in a master’s program at Wayne State

University. While attending Wayne State, Nassar volunteered with a local gymnastics

group, the Acronauts, whose coach, Steve Whitlock, recommended Nassar connect with the US national team trainer. Shortly after, in 1986, Nassar joined USAG as an athletic trainer (Pesta, 2019; “Who is Larry Nassar?,” 2018) and appeared at the 1987 Pan-

American Games and 1988 US Gymnastics Olympic Trials. He withdrew from Wayne

State to enroll at the Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1988 (Barr &

Murphy, 2020).

As he spent several hours per week volunteering at Great Lakes Gymnastics,

Nassar’s grades suffered, and the university threatened to expel him. After a successful appeal, he returned for his second year in 1989, as Michigan State Professor Dr. Phillip

Greenman published his book, Principles of Manual Medicine, along with a series of videos about the practice of manual manipulation. The treatment, described by Greenman as “one of the more complex and controversial areas of the field” (Barr & Murphy, 2020, p. 39), focused on working with joints and muscles in the pelvic area. Nassar became fascinated with that part of the body and later claimed Greenman encouraged him to focus on the sacrotuberous ligament, which stretches from the pelvis to the lower back, beneath the gluteal muscles. Nassar would soon perform the treatment on young gymnasts, after telling them to remove their clothes, typically without another adult in the room (Barr & Murphy, 2020). A year after his 1993 graduation, a future Olympic medalist alleged Nassar began sexually abusing her in 1994, which went uninvestigated.

Two years later, he was appointed the national medical coordinator for USAG (Kamp,

2018; Meadows & Meadows, 2020; “Who is Larry Nassar?, 2018).

Nassar and Michigan State University. In 1997, Nassar became a team physician and assistant professor at MSU. Within a few months, a parent raised concerns about

Nassar to USAG, but police were not notified, per a 2017 lawsuit. The same year, 16- year-old gymnast Larisa Mitchell met with MSU coach Kathie Klages about Nassar’s actions. Klages told the young athlete that Nassar was helping her and discouraged her from filing a report, although Klages did inform Nassar of the accusation. During the next decade, multiple victims would report Nassar’s actions to other trainers, coaches, and members of law enforcement; accusations were ignored, in direct violation of Title IX, which holds colleges and universities responsible for keeping students and employees safe from sexual violence (Barr & Murphy, 2020). In 2011, the US Department of

Education’s Office of Civil Rights reviewed 150 different claims sent to the university’s

Title IX office, finding significant concerns with 20 percent of the claims. The investigation indicated Michigan State had failed to maintain complete grievance files and alleged the institution fostered a “sexually hostile environment” (Barr & Murphy,

2020, p. 167). As part of its resolution, Michigan State agreed to enact several changes and provide documentation for all prior accusations of sexual abuse by the end of 2015

(Barr & Murphy, 2020).

In 2014, Nassar was interviewed by MSU Police following an official complaint made by Amanda Thomashow; the MSU Title IX Office convened a panel of MSU experts to explain if the pelvic floor treatments Nassar used were legitimate medical procedures. Per Barr and Murphy (2020, p. 175), “[a]ll four experts stated with certainty that what happened to Thomashow was medical, not sexual, in nature.” A final report from the Title IX Office found Nassar’s treatments did not rise to the level of sexual assault, although they did highlight some significant problems with the practice. As mandated by Title IX policy, Thomashow received a copy of the report, although the

document she received was shorter and did not mention “significant problems;” this was the only Title IX report at Michigan State between 2013 and 2015 that included different versions of the outcome. In July, Strampel emailed Nassar to recap a recent discussion and share new protective measures, including having another person in the room and limiting skin-to-skin contact. Nassar quickly resumed seeing patients (Barr & Murphy,

2020).

New Allegations against Nassar. In 2015, Nassar would be removed from events by USAG, following new allegations from Olympic gymnasts. Five weeks after the initial report, Penny reported the case to law enforcement. Still, another year would pass before the FBI contacted accusers. The delay was investigated by the US Department of Justice

(O’Brien, 2018), and a 2019 Senate investigation found that the FBI “failed to pursue a course of action that would have immediately protected victims in harm’s way. Instead, the FBI’s investigation dragged on and was shuffled between offices while Nassar continued to see patients at MSU” (Barr & Murphy, 2020, pp. 196-197) during the 19- month investigation (Murphy, 2017). In September 2015, Nassar announced his retirement from USAG while still treating athletes at Michigan State.

On August 30, 2016, 26 days after the IndyStar article was published, Nassar was questioned by MSU Detective Sergeant Andrea Munford; that day, he was banned from seeing patients or appearing at the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic. MSU formally fired him on September 20, 2016 (“Who is Larry Nassar?, 2018). By June 2017, 41 women had filed a lawsuit in federal court against Nassar (Rentner & Young, 2019), as MSU hired legal representation (Barr & Murphy, 2020).

Criminal Charges

Nassar pleaded not guilty to three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a person under 13 in November 2016 and was freed on a $1 million bond. Following the initial charges, as the number of accusers grew, Nassar found support from Dr.

William Strampel, dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine. The latter mentioned the charges against Nassar during an unrelated meeting. Two witnesses in the meeting claim Strampel said

This just goes to show that none of you learned the most basic lesson in medicine,

medicine 101, that you should have learned during your first week: don’t trust

your patients … patients lie to get doctors in trouble. And we’re seeing that right

now in the news with this Nassar stuff. I don’t think any of these women were

actually assaulted by Larry, but Larry didn’t learn that lesson and didn’t have a

chaperone in the room, so now they see an opening and they can take advantage

of him (Korn, 2018).

The Nassar crisis has resulted in more than 400 sexual assault victims and one of the most public mishandlings of a sexual assault case by a state university (Thompson &

Wolcott, 2018). The scandal dramatically affected the university’s reputation (Meadows

& Meadows, 2020). It would provide extensive opportunities for analysis, review, and evaluation of a system that gave a sexual abuser unfettered access to girls and young women.

University Fallout. Following Nassar’s conviction, multiple investigations sought to examine how the university failed to prevent the abuse, as the institution scrambled to handle the fallout from one of the biggest scandals in college athletics to date. The

institution faced possible criminal and legal penalties, fines, and civil suits from victims.

Still, the reputational damage had the potential to be even more severe (Kelderman,

2018a) as the fallout continued.

University President Lou Anna K. Simon, the first female president at MSU, resigned in January 2018 with a $2.5 million payout; she later faced four charges of lying to law enforcement, which would later be dismissed (Brown, 2019; Leckrone & Stripling,

2020; Stripling, 2019a; Zamudio-Suarez, 2018b). The Board of Trustees hired former

Michigan Governor John Engler as interim president to fix the public relations situation, resulting in a vote of no confidence in the Board from Faculty Senate (Brown, 2018a;

Brown, 2018c).

During his tenure at MSU, Engler accused Denhollander of receiving a

“kickback” from her lawyer for recruiting other victims, offered another victim $250,000 to drop the charges, and criticized a legislative bill designed to protect sexual assault victims (Brown & Read, 2018; Jackson, 2019; Zamudio-Suarez, 2018a). In a meeting with Nassar victims, Engler interrupted a victim’s statement saying her “time was up”

(Stripling, 2018a), and he told to Detroit News editorial board Nassar survivors were enjoying the spotlight (Stripling, 2019b). He objected to using the color teal, adopted by survivors as a symbol of solidarity, at university events, telling an event planner to “get that teal shit out of here” (Stripling, 2018b). After losing the support of the Board of

Trustees, Engler resigned (Zamudio-Suarez, 2019).

MSU was investigated by the state attorney general, the NCAA, and the

Department of Education, which would ultimately fine the university $4.5 million

(Dwyer, 2019; Harris, 2018; Kelderman, 2018b). The attorney general’s report, issued by

William Forsyth, appointed as an independent council, criticized Michigan State for its

“culture of indifference” and institutional protection in what he described as “a failure of people, not policy” (Crowe, 2018). Strampel was criminally charged with willful neglect and misconduct related to his handling of Nassar and for criminal sexual conduct following allegations he sexually harassed female students, too (Brown et al., 2018). In

2019, Strampel was found guilty and sentenced to a year in jail (Banta, 2019); he was released early for good behavior, after serving eight months (Banta, 2020).

CHAPTER II – LITERATURE REVIEW

Identifying a Crisis

Prior to selecting a response strategy, an organization must first determine if the situation does, in fact, qualify as a crisis. Fink (1986) describes an organizational crisis as a situation that has the potential for escalating intensity, may fall under close scrutiny by media or government, could interfere with normal operations, may jeopardize a positive public image, or has the potential to damage a company’s bottom line. Similarly, Coombs

(2007b, pp. 2-3) claims a crisis is “the perception of an unpredictable event that threatens important expectancies of stakeholders and can seriously impact an organization’s performance and generate negative outcomes.” Often, crises are framed as events that evoke a sense of severe urgency, serious threat, and devastating loss; a fundamental threat to the stability of the organizational (Seeger & Ulmer, 2002). When facing a crisis, organizations must select a strategic crisis communication response suited to the situation that can mitigate reputational damages. According to Gribas et al. (2018, p. 225) “[c]risis practitioners must understand how to deal with crisis situations quickly, avoid speculation, and apply strategy grounded in “insights that can be applied effectively and ethically under extraordinary pressures of limited time and severe scrutiny of the organization’s legitimacy.”

Crisis Communication

Communication is an integral component of any successful crisis management effort; organizations that communicate poorly often exacerbate the situation through ill- designed or poorly executed responses. When a crisis occurs, an organization is immediately bombarded with a surge of questions from the public, much of which

focuses on What happened? Who did it happen to? When and where did it happen?

Who’s responsible? and the ability to answer these inquires clearly, competently, and effectively can help mitigate perpetual outrage (Marra, 1998). If the organization neglects

“to construct a narrative to explain their side of the story, then the public might formulate its own storyline diverging from the organization’s preferred interpretation of a scandal”

(Clementson & Beatty, 2020, p. 53); essentially framing the response is the opportunity to position the organization in the most positive position.

One critical component of the crisis communication process is the response: what an organization says and does during and post-crisis (Coombs, 2007a). The strategies must address the crisis, the impact on the stakeholders, and public perceptions of the crisis (Brown et al., 2013). Crisis management focuses on the value of reputations; an organization’s reputational capital is predicated on the quality of relationships with stakeholders and public perceptions of the organization and brand. Crises can damage reputational capital (Coombs, 2007a); stakeholders’ uncertainty necessitates an urgent need for communication (Seeger & Padgett, 2010). According to Sisco (2012, p. 2),

“[r]eputations are most in peril when organizations face a crisis situation, because the manner in which an organization responds may well shape the public’s perception of its character for years to come.” Additionally, most major crises are not related to an isolated incident but a complex chain of events; literature shows crises often present many warning symbols that the potential for a crisis is strong (Mitroff et al., 2006). Colleges and universities, which have historically survived crises, provide a plethora of student services and answer to many stakeholders; when parts of these institutions fail and the aftermath ripples through the institution, multiple areas can be affected.

Benoit’s Image Repair Theory

Within the public relations sector, image repair theory is rooted in rhetoric and social science. Five image repair strategies, many with subcategories, have emerged from this research, including denial, evasion of responsibility, reducing offensiveness, corrective action, and mortification (Holtzhausen & Roberts, 2009). Strategies are uniquely suited to different levels of crises based on the attack. However, an attack must have two components: the accused is held responsible for an action, and the act is considered offensive (Benoit, 1997). It is crucial to denote that an individual or organization does not have to be responsible for the act; it must only appear responsible

(Benoit, 1995). Rather than addressing the kinds of crises or the stages of a crisis,

Benoit’s (1997) theory focuses on message options: what can a corporation say when faced with a crisis? Several factors are considered before developing an appropriate communicative response, as responsibility is assigned on a continuum rather than a true or false dichotomy. If multiple individuals committed the act, the blame might be apportioned, as leaders, instigators, and others with prominent roles, are often held more responsible (Benoit, 1995).

Formerly known as image restoration theory, Benoit (2000) suggests repair as a more accurate descriptive, as it does not imply organizational image is restored to its previous state. Image repair theory is predicated on two foundational assumptions: first, communication is best conceptualized as a goal-directed activity and, second, maintaining a positive reputation is one of the central goals of communication (Benoit,

1995). Following allegations or suspicions of wrongdoing, humans frequently attempt to restore their images using various communication strategies. Attacks on reputations can

be severe, when images are threatened, it is common to offer explanations, defenses, justifications, apologies, rationalizations, or excuses (Benoit, 1995; Benoit & Hanczor,

1994). Per Benoit (2014, p. 734), “Image Repair Theory argues that image, face, or reputation is extremely important for individuals and organizations,” and he identifies five general strategies for image repair messages, three with additional variations.

Denial. A typical response to allegations of misconduct is to deny the accusations; if the audience believes the denial, damage to the accused’s reputation is diminished, if not eradicated. According to Benoit (2017, p. 245), “simple denial can assume three guises: The accused can dispute that the offensive act occurred, deny that the accused is responsible for the objectionable act or reject the idea that the act is actually offensive.”

When using denial, the accused may also explain or shift the blame to another. If the accused can deny the offensive act occurred or denied they performed it, which should absolve them of responsibility (Benoit, 1995).

Evasion of Responsibility. When the accused cannot completely deny perceived responsibility for the act, they may attempt to evade or reduce their responsibility; there are four variants within the evasion response. A person may claim to have been provoked by another and, therefore, not or less responsible. When this provocation is used as s defense, the provocateur may be held responsible instead of the person initially accused.

A defeasibility defense may be presented when the accused contends the act was due to a lack of information, ability, or volition; therefore, it was not their wholly their fault

(Benoit, 1995).

Another form of evasion is to declare the action was accidental or performed with good intentions. Humans tend to hold others responsible for actions and factors within

their control; responsibility is decidedly less for accidents or events outside of their control. Rather than denying the event occurred, information is provided that may reduce the accused’s responsibility for the offense. If the accused can suggest that the action was a good intention, the wrongful act is not denied; rather, they can limit responsibility for acting in good faith. Regardless of strategy, each of these responses is designed to reduce the accused’s responsibility for the act (Benoit, 1995).

Reduction of Offensiveness. Attempting to reduce offensiveness is an image repair approach that includes six variations: bolstering, minimization, differentiation, transcendence, attacking one’s accuser, and compensation. Bolstering attempts to improve the accused’s reputation to offset the undesirable act’s damage. When those accused share positive attributes or actions about themselves, the accusation’s negative effect remains the same but is mitigated by positive feelings towards the accused. This response is beneficial if the positive actions appear relevant to the accusations (Benoit,

1995).

Minimization attempts to reduce the magnitude of the negative feelings or responses in hopes of reducing ill feelings toward the accused by employing rhetoric to convince the audience the negative action is not as bad as it appears. Trying to minimize the negative effect associated with the act can occur through differentiation when the accused attempts to claim the act was not as offensive as depicted, or transcendence, when the accused attempts to point out more important facts, information, or considerations. By placing the action in a broader context or suggesting a different frame of reference, the accused can lessen their actions’ perceived offensiveness (Benoit, 1995).

If the accuser is the injured party, attacking the accuser may reduce the audience’s sympathy towards the injured party, lessening perceptions of the undesirable act’s severity. Additionally, attacking the accuser may also steer attention away from the undesirable act or reduce the attacker’s credibility, benefitting the accused. Essentially a bribe, offering compensation, which includes goods, services, or financial remuneration, can also reduce the offense’s perceived severity. It is imperative to note that none of these strategies seek to deny that the individual or organization committed the act or diminish their responsibility; these six strategies are used to reduce unfavorable feelings towards the parties perceived to be responsible (Benoit, 1995).

Corrective Action. Most people recognize that all humans make mistakes. The accused may regret their action, and the audience will forgive a person who assures them that corrective action will remedy the problem, preventing repetition (Benoit, 1995).

When the accused agrees to correct the problem, either by restoring the situation to its previous standing or promising to fix their ways, they can make assurances without necessarily admitting guilt. According to Benoit (1995, p. 79), “[t]he difference between this strategy and compensation is that corrective action addresses the actual source of injury (offering to rectify past damage and/or prevent its recurrence), while compensation consists of a gift designed to counterbalance, rather than to correct, the injury.”

Mortification. Finally, the accused may offer a genuine apology, a sincere expression of regret, and a request for forgiveness from their audience, which can restore, even if partially, a reputation; this is referred to as mortification. If the audience believes the apology is sincere, the public will likely forgive the accused. Although mortification

can be paired with a strategy indicating concessions, admitting responsibility, or seeking forgiveness, it is can also be independent of those tactics (Benoit, 1995).

Application of Image Repair Theory

Image repair theory has been used by many public figures and organizations when facing a public crisis or during a public outcry. Communication scholars have applied the theory to companies including Firestone following its tire blowout scandal (Blaney et al.,

2002) and testimony following BP’s Deepwater Horizon Explosion (Smithson & Venette,

2013), and to public figures, including televangelist Jimmy Swaggart’s sex scandal

(Legg, 2009) and chef Paula Deen following admission she used the N-word in a deposition (Len-Rios et al., 2015). The strategies were used to analyze responses from

U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush’s post-Katrina speeches (Liu, 2007), Barack

Obama’s rollout of the healthcare.gov website (2014), and Donald Trump’s ‘Access

Hollywood’ video (Benoit, 2017). Within the athletic sphere, IRT was applied to the

Tonya Harding controversy (Benoit & Hanczor, 1994), cyclist Floyd Landis’ drug scandal (Glantz, 2010), and by Duke University following its lacrosse scandal (Fortunato,

2008). While various strategies were employed in each of these examples, the focus remains not on crisis avoidance but on how an organization responds to a crisis.

Campus Crisis Communication

Like businesses and corporations, colleges and universities in the United States have been affected by an increasing number of crises. When these incidents receive significant news coverage, prospective and current students may reconsider their attendance, especially if the crisis raises questions regarding safety and preparedness

(Wang & Hutchins, 2010). Often, there is a perception held by universities that crises

only happen on other campuses and that the impact of a crisis will be small because the institution is protected from crises due to its size (Booker, 2014). However, contemporary universities must be responsive to several publics – including current and future students, parents, faculty, and staff – as institutions have reinvented as entrepreneurial entities, results of academic capitalism, which reinforces the importance of publicity maintenance as essential to organizational reputation (Brass & Rowe, 2009). When news of a crisis makes national headlines, current and prospective students may reconsider their association with the institution (Kelsay, 2007). Regardless of the precipitating event, public college or university crises can diminish institutional and brand support, potentially exacerbated by the transgression’s severity and immorality, as research shows

“[f]avorable opinions of a university’s brand translated into very positive affective, reputational, and conative consequences” (Bennett & Ali-Choudhury, 2009, p. 97).

Crises have significant impacts on higher education (Zdiarski et al., 2007); however, research conducted by Mitroff et al. (2006) found that many institutions lack crisis management plans, and those with plans generally addressed fires, lawsuits, and some crimes. Often unaddressed, other potential crises are criminal (rape, murders, terrorism), informational (identity theft, fraud), building safety (structural integrity, substandard housing), athletics (recruiting, academic or sex scandals), health (disease outbreaks), misconduct (plagiarism, record tampering), financial (mismanagement, fraud), and perpetual (false rumors or stories) (Leeper & Leeper, 2006; Mitroff et al.,

2006; Thelen & Robinson, 2019). Per Booker (2014), research on crisis management planning in higher education is limited because many institutions write crisis management plans after a crisis event occurs. Despite the lack of substantive planning for

crisis situations, higher education has been plagued by many crises in recent years; a significant number of them related to sexual assault.

Baylor University. In the 2010s, Baylor University experienced its own sexual assault scandal when news broke that university officials had failed to properly act regarding allegations of rape and sexual assaults, many of which were allegedly perpetrated by members of the university’s football team. The scandal would lead to the removal of head football coach Art Briles, the resignation of athletic director Ian McCaw and Title IX Coordinator Patty Crawford, and the eventual resignation of Baylor

University Ken Starr (Lavigne & Schlabach, 2017; Tracy & Barry, 2017). Lawsuits allege that, during Briles’ tenure as coach, at least 32 football players committed 52 rapes

(New, 2017). After the accusations were publicized and investigated, the U.S.

Department of Education fined the institution $461,656 for violating the Clery Act, citing a “lack of administrative capability, failure to report accurate crime statistics in the annual security report, failure to comply with timely warning issurance and policy provisions, and failure to maintain an accurate, complete daily crime log” (Redden, 2020, para. 3). Baylor’s scandal resulted in multiple criminal convictions, the longest of which was 20 years, for Tevin Elliot, a former linebacker who was found guilty of two sexual assault (Lavigne & Schlabach, 2017). While some institutions, like Baylor, must respond to accusations that unfold in real time, others must respond to a crisis that unfurls posthumously.

The Ohio State University. A 2019 report detailed the abuse of nearly 200 male students by The Ohio State University (OSU) physician Richard Strauss, who was employed by the institution from 1978 to 1998. The report found that OSU was aware of

the abuse in 1979 although Strauss was not suspended until 1996; he committed suicide in 2005, more than a decade before the report was published.). The case differed from

Michigan State’s scandal because the abusers lacked the public persona of many of

Nassar’s victims, who were Olympic medalists. However, some survivors of Strauss’ abuse said they were inspired by Nassar’s victims’ statements (Edmondson, 2018). One year after the 2019 report was published, Ohio State settled with 162 survivors for nearly

$41 million (Smola, 2021). Like Ohio State’s Strauss, Penn’s State’s Jerry Sandusky was accused of abusing young boys, but unlike Strauss, Sandusky was alive when the accusations became public.

Pennsylvania State University. When Penn State faced a scandal involving the sexual abuse of children, an act universally maligned by society, the outrage was elevated

(Brown et al., 2013). In 2011, former Pennsylvania State University assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky was publicly accused of sexually abusing boys at university facilities. The ensuing scandal would lead to the removal of long-time head football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier. The university’s football program would receive severe sanctions from the NCAA, including a $60 million fine, a reduction in scholarships, and four-year ban on post-season play (Pickel, 2019; Schuck,

2020). Sandusky was sentenced to 30- to 60-years, essentially a life sentence, in 2012; while Spanier began a minimum two-month term in June 2021 for child endangerment

(Rourke, 2021).

In a parallel, but not identical circumstance, the Nassar crisis highlighted an organizational breakdown that allowed long-term abuse of college athletes who were placed under the care of a surrogate parent, the university, which failed in those parental

responsibilities (Frederick et al., 2021). The Nassar crisis has been categorized as a wicked crisis, which defines “events so intractable and threatening that they leave even the best leaders speechless and the most prepared organizations grasping for answers”

(Maier & Crist, 2017, p. 164).

As Michigan State faced its sex abuse scandal during the #MeToo era, colleges and universities were forced to ask themselves: When sex abuse happens, who is complicit and who should fall, besides the accuser? How can institutions make amends for decades of abuse, and how can institutional leaders not be accountable? (Kolowich &

Thomason, 2018). As the Nassar scandal unfolded, college leaders across the country considered the possibility a similar scandal could affect their institution (Heller, 2018).

CHAPTER III - METHODOLOGY

This research explored the specific image repair discourses used by Michigan

State University in a series of press releases dating from February 3, 2017, to January 15,

2021 (Appendix A). This body of university press releases allowed the researcher to evaluate the relevant communication responses from a nearly four-year window, which encapsulated the initial response to the scandal, subsequent dismissals, legal proceedings, and long-term policy adjustments. This collection allowed for a chronological evaluation focused solely on the institutional response, rather than public perceptions and media responses. The collection retrieved directly from the Michigan State University website included 118 press releases and three undated profiles. Each analyzed document was related to the Nassar scandal.

The press releases were collected from two MSU websites: MSU Today, which included all news and public relations information from the institution, and a dedicated page titled “Nassar-related information” (https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/nassar- information.html). This research only addressed the press releases directly from the institution, which were used as units of analysis during the extensive document analysis.

To address the research questions, all releases were analyzed for image repair strategies using thematic analysis. Themes were identified through frequency of occurrence, and through analysis, researchers can code schemes based on the occurrences within the text being analyzed. This is done through repetition of words and phrases and using words and statements that are discursive or suggestive (Owen, 1985). A deductive approach was used as themes were to determine if each release could be categorized according to Benoit’s typology (Appendix C). This research employed a qualitative

research method intent on capturing the meanings within the data and categorizing and interpreting them in a way to understand the crisis response methods employed by MSU.

Due to the length of some of the press releases, each line of text was examined through content analysis; thus, multiple image repair strategies could be used within a single press release. In analyzing the data, the researcher read each line of a press release looking for use of an IRT strategy. All examples will be included on a table (Appendix

B) and read again to assign an image repair strategy. If the same strategy presented multiples times in a release, the researcher included the clearest example.

To address RQ 2, the research organized the press releases chronologically and organized the typologies as either present or not present. When the data set presented as significantly large, it was further flattened by month, which allowed the researcher to evaluate more general trends in relation to the Nassar scandal.

CHAPTER IV – RESULTS AND FINDINGS

This section addresses findings for both RQ1, which details the response strategies used by Michigan State to respond to the Nassar scandal and RQ2, which details how those responses changed over time.

Research Question 1

In response to RQ1, the analysis revealed that Michigan State University used multiple repair strategies to respond to the Nassar scandal and subsequent scandals, as did individuals speaking on behalf of the institution, like the Board of Trustees, or themselves, like former Presidents Simon Engler. Michigan State’s image repair discourse employed all five IRT categories – Denial, Evading Responsibility, Reducing

Offensiveness, Corrective Action, and Mortification – although not all subcategories were present. Evading Responsibility (Accident), Reducing Offensiveness

(Minimization), and Reducing Offensiveness (Attack Accuser) did not present in the findings.

Of the 177 dated textual statements analyzed, 20 (11.3%) included elements of

Denial, eight examples (4.5%) included Evading Responsibility, 83 (45.7%) had examples of Reducing Offensiveness, 48 (27.1%) boasted Corrective Action, and 20

(11.3%) expressed apology or Mortification.

Denial

Denial (Simple Denial)

Michigan State University attempted to use simple Denial not to deny

Responsibility but to deny the institution knowingly covered up Nassar’s conduct. For example: “Michigan State University continues to be shocked and appalled by Larry

Nassar’s now-admitted criminal conduct. Any suggestion that the university covered up this conduct is simply false” (MSU, 11/22/2017) and “We have been kept fully informed and regularly updated about the legal team’s work on that case, and they have repeatedly assured us that if they learn of criminal wrongdoing by any employee, at any level, it will immediately be reported to law enforcement authorities. None has been found by anyone other than Nassar” (MSU, 12/3/2017).

Additionally, the university used simple Denial to highlight that “the attorney general’s office has found no criminal conduct beyond those formerly charged, even after reviewing more than a half million documents and interviewing 500 people” (MSU,

12/21/2018).

Denial (Shift Blame)

The university also used Denial (shifting blame) to reposition Nassar as the responsible party, effectively attempting to reduce the institution’s responsibility. Simon

(MSU, 12/15/2017) shared: “Nassar preyed on his victims’ dreams and ambitions, changing their lives in terrible ways. Under the guise of medical treatment, he abused his patients for years.” Other efforts to focus blame on Nassar include “…Nassar used his reputation and standing as a physician to take advantage of his patients’ trust” (MSU,

2/22/2017) and “Nassar’s behavior was deeply disturbing and repugnant, as the state and federal criminal charges that he has been convicted of show” (MSU, 12/7/2017).

Statements citing Nassar as the responsible party were used to shift blame: “. . . the evidence will show that no MSU official believed that Nassar committed sexual abuse prior to newspaper reports in the summer of 2016” (MSU, 1/19/2018).

Engler also used this strategy to decry Nassar and Strampel: “Nassar’s behavior was horrific and repugnant, and it is deeply disturbing to know that his crimes were often committed on campus” (MSU, 2/5/2018) and “William Strampel did not act with the level of professionalism we expect from individuals who hold senior leadership positions, particularly in a position that involves student and patient safety” (MSU, 2/9/2018).

Following a tumultuous exchange with survivors, Engler also attempted to shift blame for miscommunication: “Our memories and interpretations of the March 28 meeting are different than hers” (MSU, 4/13/2018).

While some attempts to shift blame had a specific focus, for example, Nassar and

Strampel, other texts indicated no clear direction but a general deflection. This includes suggestions that MSU is not the only institution with similar issues: “Like all institutions—and society itself—MSU is not perfect, but we are dedicated to being better tomorrow than we are today.” Additionally, statements indicated that if other guilty parties exist, the person is unknown to the institution. Therefore, the institution is less responsible: “What we can state emphatically is that it is simply not true that there has been any kind of cover up. From the outset, we have directed our counsel to report immediately to us and to relevant law enforcement any knowledge of criminal behavior.

We stand before you today and tell you that no such person has been identified to us.”

Evading Responsibility

Provocation

Evading Responsibility through provocation was only found once in the selected data, once to contend that fighting plaintiff accusations were not equivalent to reflecting views on the victims: “We hope you understand that when we push back against

accusations made by plaintiffs’ lawyers about the university, and the university defends itself in the civil litigation, it is not a reflection of our view of the victims for whom we have the utmost respect and sympathy but our desire to set the record straight and to protect MSU’s educational and research missions” (MSU, 12/15/2017).

Defeasibility

Using defeasibility, the institution attempted to lessen its responsibility by suggesting abusers are often undetected. For example, Simon noted, “Second, I have been told it is virtually impossible to stop a determined sexual predator and pedophile, that they will go to incomprehensible lengths to keep what they do in the shadows” (MSU,

4/13/2017) and “Finally, while determined sexual predators and pedophiles—people who often exploit positions of personal and professional trust—are very difficult to detect and stop…” (MSU, 4/26/2017).

Statements also indicated that MSU claimed it did not have the information about

Nassar in a timely fashion, preventing them from acting soon. Responding to an allegation from the plaintiff’s accusers that the institution covered up misconduct, MSU denied the allegation, stating, “Moreover, MSU has consistently promised if it were to find any employee knew of and acquiesced in Nassar’s misconduct, the university would immediately report it to law enforcement” (MSU, 11/22/2017). Additionally, “If…they found any evidence that anyone at MSU other than Nassar knew of Nassar’s criminal behavior and did anything to conceal or facilitate it then that evidence of criminal conduct would be reported immediately to…appropriate law enforcement authorities…The evidence will show that no MSU official believed that Nassar committed sexual abuse prior to newspaper reports in the summer of 2016” (MSU,

12.15.17). Also detected were efforts to convey outrage, suggesting that the institution would have acted differently had it known also presented, for example, “I find the descriptions of Strampel’s behavior that continue to come to light shocking and appalling” (MSU, 5/1/2018).

Good Intentions

In some examples, the institution used a strategy that indicates good intentions to evade responsibility. Both statements were provided in response to a subsequent scandal of fraudulent claims on the Healing Assistance Fund, established for survivors but tainted by others. An example of this rhetoric: “It was brought to our attention earlier this week by the firm that manages the Healing Assistance Fund that there are possible fraudulent claims being made. MSU has decided to halt all further payments while the situation can be investigated. This fund was created to provide survivors the resources they need for their recovery and healing, specifically counseling and mental health services, and we want to ensure these funds are being distributed appropriately” (MSU, 7/26/2018).

Reducing Offensiveness

Bolstering

The use of bolstering was the most common strategy detected during this analysis.

Michigan State often highlighted employees’ work from many departments, including the

MSU Police Department and Special Victims Unit, Office of Institutional Equity, the

MSU HealthTeam, Title IX Office, the MSU Safe Place, and the Sexual Violence

Advisory Committee. All three undated profiles also conveyed aspects of bolstering, including Munford’s: “When MSU launched its Special Victims Unit in fall 2014, it was among a small handful of universities nationwide to do so” and Rosen’s “Today, the

model program remains the largest of its kind in the country, serving up to 200 adults and children each year.”

In addition to bolstering MSU units, other examples include focusing on safety and accountability without a general focus “We are committed to creating a culture of both accountability and safety and responsiveness regarding sexual assault and harassment” (2/17/2017) and “At Michigan State University, a variety of experts have been charged with the task of creating and refining programs to best address preventatives measures and further educate the community at large” (MSU, 10/16/2019).

Bolstering compliance with Title IX policies (MSU, 11/11/2017; MSU, 3/22/2018), new structures for institutional health colleges (MSU, 2/14/2018), new positions designed to help expand resources (MSU, 3/26/2018; MSU 6/14/2018; MSU, 10/10/2019), and events and programs to address sexual assault (MSU, 10/4/2019; MSU, 10/16/2019) also added to the institutional response.

The Board of Trustees also used bolstering to indicate its support of then-

President Simon: “President Simon has proven her commitment to helping the university when it comes to the societal issue of sexual misconduct. She has the complete confidence of the Board of Trustees to lead the university in this and all endeavors”

(MSU, 12/3/2017).

Several examples of bolstering did not provide specific details but reaffirmed the university’s position that it was improving. Verbiage included a commitment “to cultivating a safe and inclusive campus community (MSU, 9/27/2017), as “we continue to build a more robust infrastructure to prevent sexual assault, support victims and encourage reporting” (MSU, 9/8/2017), “continuing our efforts to strengthen sexual

misconduct prevention on and off campus and to respond promptly to and appropriately if prevention fails” (MSU, 6/15/2018).

Differentiation

Using differentiation, MSU attempted to claim it was not the only institution coping with allegations of sexual abuse during the #MeToo scandal, also casting blame on multiple news organizations. The institution wrote, “Certainly, Michigan State is not alone in the national reckoning stemming from the growing awareness of relationship abuse and sexual violence. Repugnant stories in the news about how powerful men treated women, the rising societal intolerance of relationship and sexual violence stemming from that greater awareness, and the social media coverage, shocking #MeToo testimonials, and even revelations involving new organizations, including ESPN, FOX, and NBC, have made it clear that all behaviors must change” (MSU, 2/23/2018). This sentiment was echoed and applied to college campuses via this statement: “Working to address sexual misconduct is an ongoing priority on college campuses across the country” (MSU, 10/16/2019).

Transcendence

After the Nassar scandal broke, Michigan State experienced an increase in sexual assault reports. To explain the rise, MSU suggested the increase was not a result of increased assaults, but due to increased reporting: “Although the number of reports increased from last academic year, Title IX Director Jessica Norris believes that is a result of continued efforts to raise awareness, rather than an increase in actual incidents”

(MSU, 9/29/2017). A similar report highlighted that MSU “expects the number to

continue to rise” which is “consistent with MSU’s efforts to raise awareness and foster a culture where individuals feel empowered and supported in reporting” (MSU, 2/13/2018).

Compensation

A significant outcome of the Nassar scandal was the legal settlement made with the victims. The eventual settlement included a $10 million fund for counseling services.

Once the settlement was completed, the institution framed the fund to “…allow some measure of healing to begin. Today the Board of Trustees announced a $10 million fund for counseling and mental health services as part of our commitment to support Nassar’s victims” (MSU, 12/15/2017) indicating MSU was “committed to supporting those in our community affected by these terrible crimes and have created the Healing Assistance

Fund to help survivors access any counseling and mental health services they may need”

(MSU, 1/16/2018).

An additional component of the agreement was a $500 million legal settlement between Michigan State and the Nassar victims. Statements indicate MSU was

“committed to reaching a fair and equitable settlement at the earliest possible opportunity” (MSU, 3/28/2018). After the agreement was reached, press releases provided information: “Attorneys representing 332 survivors of former Michigan State

University doctor Larry Nassar in lawsuits against MSU and attorneys for the university announced a global settlement in principle totaling $500 million” while expressing appreciation for “the hard work of the mediator and the parties involved in coming to this fair resolution” (MSU, 5/16/2018).

Corrective Action

Corrective Action was the single most used strategy detected in the reviewed texts. These statements highlighted many actions, all of which noted or suggested relation to the Nassar case, taken by Michigan State, including personnel changes, legal investigations, and policy reviews Personnel changes (“Fired Nassar on Sept. 20, 2016”)

(MSU, 2/3/2017); legal investigations (“The MSU Police Department has a Special

Victims Unit with full-time detectives assigned to cases such as the Nassar investigation”) (MSU, 2/22/2017); and policy reviews (“A review of MSU HealthTeam policies and practices begun in fall 2016 and completed in March 2017 has strengthened policies regarding informed consent and the role of exam-room chaperones”) (MSU,

4/26/2017) were among the actions taken.

Other statements did not cite specific information but reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to making necessary changes: “The entire MSU community has worked hard at changes to make sure a monster like Larry Nassar could never hide again on our campus” (MSU, 5/16/2018) and “We will continue addressing the culture that allowed such abhorrent behavior as we work on meaningful actions to be more aware and more accountable” (MSU, 6/12/2019).

Mortification

During the initial crisis and subsequent crises, Michigan State also used

Mortification to express its remorse for the Nassar scandal, including multiple institutional leaders and the Board of Trustees. Simon wrote, “I am truly sorry for the abuse you suffered, the pain it caused, and the pain it continues to cause today. I am sorry a physician who called himself a Spartan so utterly betrayed your trust and everything

this university stands for” (MSU, 12/15/2017). At the same time, Engler shared, “The following statement is something I wish never had to be written. The gravity of the situation is so serious and with so many lives affected, I and Spartans across the nation are in disbelief that this has occurred at our university. But it has and I stand here with a level of resolve to commit all my energy toward finding solutions” (MSU, 1/31/2018).

The Board of Trustees stated, “We acknowledge that there have been failures at

MSU, not only in our processes and operations, but in our culture, and we are united in our determination to take all necessary steps to begin a new day and to change the environment at the university” (MSU, 1/26/2018).

Mortification was also employed by Engler after one of his emails suggested the victims were enjoying the attention:

“Last week while I was on my way to Texas, a private email conversation of mine

from April was made public. I didn’t give it the consideration it warranted.

That was a big mistake.

I was wrong.

I apologize.”

“My speculation about the lead plaintiff receiving kickbacks or referral fees hurt

her deeply and for that I am truly sorry. She and the other survivors suffered

greatly and they are entitled not to have their sincerity questioned, either

individually or as a group. I apologize to her and her sister survivors” (MSU,

6/21/2018).

After Engler’s resignation, the Board of Trustees used Mortification regarding

Engler’s comments: “To the survivors, the entire Board of Trustees extends our remorse

over the regretful comments Engler has made. We are diligently seeking a new leader to continue our healing and guide our campus to achieve our aspirations in integrity, inclusion, research and education” (MSU, 1/17/2019). Udpa, who became Interim

President after Engler’s departure, apologized to victims: “I want you to know that on behalf of this university I love, as acting president and an executive officer, and as a former dean and faculty member, I realize the need to formally apologize and to effectively atone” (MSU 2/15/2019). Additionally, general apologies were made to the victims throughout the unfolding of the events. For example, “What happened at MSU was a horrible tragedy, and the institution failed survivors and members of our community” (MSU, 8/19/2019).

Research Question 2

RQ 2 addressed how Michigan State’s response changed over time. To analyze the data chronologically, the researcher tallied the occurrences of each typology over time and charted them by date, which were organized by month. Two strategies –

Reducing Offensiveness (Bolstering) and Corrective Action – were detected throughout the duration of the press releases analyzed for this research and provided no distinct trends that align with the timelines of the crisis. Outside of those typologies, Denial

(Shifting Blame) was heavily employed between February 2017 and August 2018 but was not detected after that date. Reducing Offensiveness (Compensation) was not detected until December 2017 (one month after Nassar’s guilty plea) but was heavily used from then until September 2019. Similarly, Mortification was most heavily employed from December 2017 until January 2019, with the most frequent occurrences

detected in January 2018. Other responses were less prevalent; therefore, they did not provide a meaningful basis for comparison.

Implications of the Analysis

In this section, the researcher examined what insights were derived from the analysis. Specifically, the researcher drew on two main implications from the analysis of

Michigan State’s image restoration efforts. First, college and university athletics is a multi-billion dollar industry deeply rooted in this country's social fabric. When institutions face a scandal, especially one that involves allegations of illegal actions against minors, administrators must be prepared to respond accordingly. Recent crises at

Baylor University, Ohio State, and Penn State highlight the importance of a structured and organized crisis response strategy. Similarly, at large universities, where the public may not fully know the extent of the crises, often due to the large student population, policies must be in place to detect improper and illegal actions and rectify the systems that allowed them to perpetuate. Second, it is highly likely that the public may never know the full truth of Nassar’s actions at Michigan State. Per Benoit and Hanczor (1994, p. 428), “[t]his means that our judgments of these figures is dependent upon the discourse that they generate.” Simply, the residual communicative response from Michigan State had the unique opportunity not to change what happened but to establish the institution’s intent on future prevention and rectification of the situation.

Discussion and Limitations

When a crisis impacts an organization, the response is important; when the public perceives that organization to be responsible for the crisis, the response is critical. The

opportunity to lose trust in the organization and its leadership makes the response strategy essential; therefore, leaders must listen to their stakeholders and publics (Liu et al., 2021).

This study examined the image repair strategies employed by Michigan State in a series of press releases following the Larry Nassar sex abuse scandal. The analyzed releases date back to February 2017, immediately following the announcement of

Nassar’s involvement, and January 2021, when the data collection for this research ended. The press releases were examined to determine which IRT strategies were used by

Michigan State in responding to the allegations against Nassar and the institution.

Limitations

Like any body of research, this study is not without its limitations. First, only data retrieved from press releases issued by Michigan State were analyzed. Relying on documents provided by a single organization as a unit of analysis, particularly if that organization is perceived by the public to be in the wrong shapes the type of data that is collected; it would be advantageous for future research to evaluate the effectiveness of the institution’s statements on the public to determine the relative efficacy of the respective strategy.

Messages and dialogue that occurred behind the scenes at Michigan State, but was not publicized, should be acknowledged, as well. It is critical that internal information, insight, and perspective would not always present in the press releases shared by the institution; rather, a sanitized version of the events is typically shared via public relations platforms.

Recommendations for Higher Education

Sexual assault in higher education has become a critical issue that must be addressed; however, institutions may be more apt to address the issue as relational between students. However, cases like Nassar, Sandusky, Strauss, and Tyndall highlight a systemic problem woven into the structure of colleges and universities. For many in higher education, the awareness of a turning tide, from an era of ‘boys will be boys’ to a cultural shift in favor of support for victims signifies a distinct unwillingness to accept ignorance of a situation as a viable defense, colleges and universities may find themselves in precarious situations, especially if a predator lurks in the background.

Institutions that fail to respond appropriately can expect a quick and powerful public backlash; therefore, the researcher hopes that this study enlightens and encourages college and university administrators that the next big crisis may be on their campus.

Employing components of image repair theory can benefit colleges and universities, should they face their own sexual assault crisis. Institutions in such situations would likely not benefit from attacking the accuser, claiming the act was the result of good intentions or the result of accidents, or that the situation was provoked.

Rather, employing Corrective Action, to address the circumstances that led to the initial problem, may be more beneficial. If the organization is clearly, in the mind of the public’s perception, responsible, Mortification and Reducing Offensiveness

(Compensation) can help show that they are sorry for the incident(s) and willing to make amends to those harmed. A failure to respond efficiently and appropriately puts institutions in a precarious situation, but Penn State, Ohio State, and now Michigan State have all been able to maintain positive public perceptions post-crises. However, the long-

overdue cultural shift to support victims may signify less public willingness to continue to accept only an apology after the fact. A meaningful crisis response is essential, but adherence to Title IX regulations is the first component of preventing the next Nassar, although evaluation of these policies is beyond the scope of this research.

Conclusion

This research highlights the practical application of crisis communication strategies employed by a university to protect and restore its public image during and after a crisis. While significant research applies IRT to non-profits and private organizations, colleges and universities are often reactive and unprepared for a crisis that may impact their campus (Heller, 2018). It also applies IRT to a data set from higher education setting to apply existing theory to a sector increasingly effected by large scandals and crises. The Nassar crisis was so expansive that Michigan State had to develop a proper response; it overwhelmingly relied on a crisis campaign employing

Corrective Action and Reducing Offensiveness as its main strategies. Crisis literature often suggests that Corrective Action and Mortification are the most effective approach in these circumstances (Frederick et al., 2021); accordingly, it is essential to note that

Mortification and Denial were used a the same (third), but at different times during the crisis.

Organizations responding to crises often attempt to present themselves favorably to defend their actions (Coombs, 1999), offering various responses ranging from complete denial to mortification. Ultimately, most crisis management planning is designed to provide an immediate explanation of the event (Venette et al., 2003), although the selected strategies’ success lies with the public. Responding to the Nassar

investigation, trial, and residual crises was especially problematic because of the scandal’s scope, many victims, and the number of years the bad acts were perpetuated.

Michigan State administrators often faced additional challenges when handling subsequent yet related crises, including Engler’s inflammatory rhetoric and allegations multiple individuals at the university knew of Nassar’s actions.

This research examined image repair theory strategies used by Michigan State

University during and after the Nassar scandal. The institution engaged in multiple strategies, the most frequent of which are Reducing Offensiveness (Bolstering), Reducing

Offensiveness (Compensation), Corrective Action, Mortification, and Denial (Shifting

Blame). While the strategies employed by Michigan State were generally appropriate, subsequent scandals led to undue attention on the university in response to Nassar's actions. Strampel’s actions and the comments from Engler compounded the negative perceptions of the university’s response. While Michigan State repeatedly emphasized its support for the victims and committed to preventing similar situations in the future, multiple units attempted to solely place responsibility solely on Nassar and away from the university. The strategies employed by Michigan State were often maligned in the press, but the university brand seems to have emerged relatively unscathed. At the time, the $500 million settlement was the largest of its kind, dwarfing the $100 million paid by

Penn State to settle claims related to Jerry Sandusky. In Nassar’s aftermath, USC paid a record $852 million settlement to victims of George Tyndall (Dazio, 2021). In addition to negative publicity, colleges and universities should also have grave concerns about the expense of large settlements related to sexual assault cases.

In summary, this study contributes to the literature by highlighting strategies used by higher education institutions during and after a crisis. While preparation for all possible exigencies is unlikely, current literature suggests that college and university leaders are woefully unprepared for potential scandals on their campus (Heller, 2018).

Arguably, the lack of preparedness makes a viable crisis communication strategy a more significant imperative; the public relations response following news of a scandal or crisis may prevent the institution long-term public criticism, even in the event of a wicked crisis, like campus sexual assault.

APPENDIX A – List of Press Releases

1. Michigan State University. (2017, February 3). President Simon: Letter to the Spartan community on Larry Nassar investigation, Feb. 3, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-02-03-letter-to-spartan- community.html 2. Michigan State University. (2017, February 17). Message from the Board of Trustees, Feb. 17, 2017) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-02-17-statement-bot.html 3. Michigan State University. (2017, February 17). President’s remarks at Board of Trustee meeting, Feb. 17, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-02-17-remarks-bot-on-sexual- assault.html 4. Michigan State University. (2017 February 22). MSU Police Chief James Dunlap: Remarks from press conference, Feb. 22, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-02-22-dunlap.html 5. Michigan State University. (2017, February 22). President Simon: Message to MSU community on Larry Nassar, investigation, Feb. 22, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-02-22.html 6. Michigan State University. (2017, April 13). Message from MSU Board of Trustees, April 13, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-04-13-message-from-bot.html 7. Michigan State University. (2017, April 13). President Simon: Remarks to Board of Trustees on Larry Nassar investigation, April 13, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-04-13.html 8. Michigan State University. (2017, April 26). President Simon: Letter to the Spartan community on sexual assault issues and actions, April 26, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-04-26-letter-to-spartan- community.html 9. Michigan State University. (2017, June 5) Profile: Debra Martinez helps builds [sic] community partnerships to combat gender-based violence [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/profile-debra-martinez.html 10. Michigan State University. (2017, July 5). MSU HealthTeam puts patients first [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-07-05-msu- healthteam.html 11. Michigan State University. (2017, July 11). Statements on Nassar’s federal plea deal, July 11, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017- 07-11-plea-statement.html 12. Michigan State University. (2017, July 25). MSU experts tapped to help provide resources for sexual assault survivors, July 25, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-07-25-msu-first-lady.html

13. Michigan State University. (2017, August 3). MSU community shapes future Title IX efforts, Aug. 3, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-08-03-msu-community.html 14. Michigan State University. (2017, September 8). MSU announces firm, scope of work for Title IX review, Sept. 8, 2017 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2017/msu-announces-firm-scope-of-work-for- title-ix-review/ 15. Michigan State University. (2017, September 22). Statement on new Title IX guidance, Sept. 22, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-09-22-statement-new-title-ix- guidance.html 16. Michigan State University. (2017, September 29). MSU report details relationship violence, sexual misconduct complaints [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2017/msu-report-details-relationship-violence- sexual-misconduct-complaints/ 17. Michigan State University. (2017, October 3). Teaming up for a violence-free community, Oct. 3, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-10-03-violence-free-community.html 18. Michigan State University. (2017, October 3). MSU empowers students with information to help prevent sexual violence (Oct. 2017) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/msu-empowers-students.html 19. Michigan State University. (2017, November 11). Independent review finds Title IX policy compliant, reflects commitment, Nov. 11, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-11-20-titleix-review1.html 20. Michigan State University. (2017, November 22). Response to plaintiff’s press conference, Nov. 22, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-11-22-response-plaintiff-press- conference.html 21. Michigan State University. (2017, November 29). Statement on Nassar’s convictions in Ingham and Eaton counties, Nov. 29, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-11-22-plea-statement-Ingham.html 22. Michigan State University. (2017, December 3). Response from Board of Trustees on LSJ editorial, Dec. 3. 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-12-03-response-bot-lsj.html 23. Michigan State University. (2017, December 7). Statement on Nassar’s federal sentencing, Dec. 7, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-12-07- Statements%20federal%20sentencing.html 24. Michigan State University. (2017, December 15). Message from MSU Board of Trustees, Dec. 15, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-12-15-Board-Message.html

25. Michigan State University. (2017, December 15). President Simon: Remarks to Board of Trustees, Dec. 15, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-12-15-President-Statement.html 26. Michigan State University. (2017, December 15). President Simon: Letter to the MSU community, Dec. 15, 2017 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2017-12-15-Simon-Letter.html 27. Michigan State University. (2018, January 11). National organizations selected to oversee Healing Assistance Fund [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/national-organizations-selected-to-oversee- healing-assistance-fund/ 28. Michigan State University. (2018, January 16). Statement on victim impact statements in Ingham County, Jan. 26, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-01-16-Ingham-Victim-Statement.html 29. Michigan State University. (2018, January 19). President Simon: Statement on letter to Attorney General, Jan. 19, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-01-19-Statement-LAKS.html 30. Michigan State University. (2018, January 19). President Simon: Letter to MSU community, Jan. 19, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-01-19-Simon-Letter.html 31. Michigan State University. (2018, January 24). President Simon announces resignation from MSU (Jan. 24, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2018-01-24-simon-resignation 32. Michigan State University. (2018, January 24). Statement on Nassar’s Ingham County sentencing, Jan 24. 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-01-24-Ingham-Sentencing- Statement.html 33. Michigan State University. (2018, January 26). Board Chair: Letter to MSU Community [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board- statements/2018-statements/01262018-letter-to-msu-community.html 34. Michigan State University. (2018, January 26). Statement to Larry Nassar Victims [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2018- statements/01262018-statement-larry-nassar-victims.html 35. Michigan State University. (2018, January 31). Statement from John Engler, interim president [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/statement- from-john-engler-interim-president/ 36. Michigan State University. (2018, February 5). Statement on Nassar’s Eaton County sentencing [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018- 02-05-Eaton-Sentencing-Statement.html 37. Michigan State University. (2018, February 9). Engler takes first step to remove Strampel [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/engler-takes-first- step-to-remove-strampel/

38. Michigan State University. (2018, February 13). MSU hires firm to help promptly investigate reports of sexual assault, harassment [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-hires-firm-to-help-promptly- investigate-reports-of-sexual-assault-harassment/ 39. Michigan State University. (2018, February 13). Letter to the MSU campus community [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2018-02-13-engler- letter 40. Michigan State University. (2018, February 14). MSU Interim President Engler targets safety, quality and transparency with new health structure [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-president-engler-targets-safety-quality- and-transparency-with-new-health-structure/ 41. Michigan State University. (2018, February 23). Engler names Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup, Feb. 23, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/MSU-Interim-President- John-Engler-names-Relationship-Violence-and-Sexual-Misconduct-Expert- Advisory-Workgroup 42. Michigan State University. (2018, February 23). Letter to the MSU campus community, Feb. 23, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2018- 02-23-letter-to-campus 43. Michigan State University. (2018, March 22). MSU strives to improve effectiveness of sexual assault prevention and education programs, communications and mental health services [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-strives-to-improve-effectiveness-of- sexual-assault-prevention-and-education-programs- commun/?utm_campaign=media&utm_medium=email 44. Michigan State University. (2018, March 23). Engler takes quick action to address campus community concerns about sexual assault programs [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/engler-takes-quick-action-to- address-campus-community-concerns-about-sexual-assault-programs 45. Michigan State University. (2018, March 26). State grant funding helps expand resources in Sexual Assault Program, March 26, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/state-grant-funding-helps-expand-resources- in-sexual-assault-program/ 46. Michigan State University. (2018, March 27). Statement on arrest of former Dean Strampel [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2018-03-27-strampel- arrest 47. Michigan State University. (2018, March 28). Statement on restarting mediation (March 28, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2018-03-28- mediation-statement 48. Michigan State University. (2018, March 28). Statement from former Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Young, special counsel for MSU, March 18, 2018 [Press

release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-03-28-Young- Statement.html 49. Michigan State University. (2018, April 13). Interim President Engler: Statement on survivor discussion, April 13, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-04-13-Engler-survivor-statement.html 50. Michigan State University. (2018, April 18). Statement from Carol Viventi, April 18, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-04-18- Viventi-Statement.html 51. Michigan State University. (2018, April 26). Interim President Engler: Statement on conduct of former Dean Strampel, April 26, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-04-26-Strampel-Statement.html 52. Michigan State University. (2018, May 1). Provost Youatt: Statement on reviews of former Dean Stampel, May 1, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-05-01-Provost-Statement.html 53. Michigan State University. (2018, May 16). Larry Nassar Survivors and Michigan State University announce they have successfully resolved existing litigation and agreed in principle to a $500 million global settlement [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/larry-nassar-survivors-and- michigan-state-university-announce-they-have-successfully-resolved-e/ 54. Michigan State University. (2018, May 16). Board Chair: Statement on settlement [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2018- statements/05162018-statement-on-settlement.html 55. Michigan State University. (2018, May 16). Interim President Engler: Statement on settlement, May 16, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-05-16-Engler-Settlement- Statement.html 56. Michigan State University. (2018, May 30). Jessica Norris: Working for in the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/jessica-norris-working-in-the-office-for- civil-rights-and-title-ix-education/ 57. Michigan State University. (2018, June 14). MSU expands sexual misconduct workgroup [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-expands- sexual-misconduct-workgroup/ 58. Michigan State University. (2018, June 18). Statement from Interim President Engler (June 15, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2018- 06-15-engler 59. Michigan State University. (2018, June 18). Interim leader of Title IX and civil rights office selected [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/interim-leader-of-title-ix-and-civil-rights- office-selected/

60. Michigan State University. (2018, June 21). Interim President Engler: Statement on apology to survivors, June 21, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-06-21-Engler-Statement.html 61. Michigan State University. (2018, June 21). Board of Trustees Statement Regarding Interim President John Engler [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2018- statements/06212018-statement-regarding-john-engler.html 62. Michigan State University. (2018, June 26). MSU creates risk management, ethics and compliance office, June 26, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-creates-risk-management-ethics-and- compliance-office/ 63. Michigan State University. (2018, June 29). Robert Young: Statement on Attorney General search warrant, June 29, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-06-29-AG-search-warrant.html 64. Michigan State University. (2018, July 5). Acting chief compliance officer named for new MSU office, July 5, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/acting-chief-compliance-officer-named-for- new-msu-office-1/ 65. Michigan State University. (2018, July 6). Newly signed agreement means Strampel is gone from MSU [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/newly-signed-agreement-means-strampel- is-gone-from-msu/ 66. Michigan State University. (2018, July 25). Survivors and parents join MSU Museum to preserve teal ribbons [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/survivors-and-parents-join-msu-museum-to- preserve-teal-ribbons/ 67. Michigan State University. (2018, July 26). Statement on Status of Healing Assistance Fund, July 26, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-07-26-Fund-Statement.html 68. Michigan State University. (2018, July 26). Robert Young: Statement on insurance carriers, July 26, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-07-26-Insruance-Suit-Statement.html 69. Michigan State University Police. (2018, August 2). MSU Police Announce New Initiative to Focus on Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Support Services [Press release]. https://police.msu.edu/2018/08/02/msu-police-announce-new- initiative-to-focus-on-relationship-violence-and-sexual-assault-support-services/ 70. Michigan State University. (2018, August 23). Statement on charges filed against Kathie Klages, Aug. 23, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-08-23-Klages-Charges- Statement.html 71. Michigan State University. (2018, September 11). Statement on new lawsuit allegations, Sept. 11, 2018) [Press release]. 47

https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-09-11-statement-on-new-lawsuit- allegations.html 72. Michigan State University. (2018, October 8). MSU’s ‘Know More’ campaign promotes sexual assault resources, Oct. 8, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msus-know-more-campaign-promotes- sexual-assault-resources/ 73. Michigan State University. (2018, October 19). Statement on investigation of Healing Assistance Fund, Oct. 19, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-10-19-Fund-Investigation- Statement.html 74. Michigan State University. (2018, October 28). Statement Simon trial status (Oct. 28, 2018) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2019-10-28-Simon- Trial-Status 75. Michigan State University. (2018, November 16). Statement on proposed Title IX rule changes, Nov. 16, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2018-11-16-Title-IX-Rules 76. Michigan State University. (2018, November 20). Statement on charges filed against former president, Nov. 20, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-11-20-Simon-Charges- Statement.html 77. Michigan State University. (2018, November 27). New resources help guide trauma-informed meetings and communications, Nov. 27, 2018 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/new-resources-help-guide-trauma-informed- meetings-and-communications/ 78. Michigan State University. (2018, December 4). MSU makes $500 million settlement payment to survivor fund [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2018/msu-makes-500-million-settlement- payment-to-survivor-fund/ 79. Michigan State University. (2018, December 21). Statement on Forsyth Report, Dec. 21, 2018 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2018-12-21- Forsyth-Report-Statement.html 80. Michigan State University. (2019, January 9). Board Chair: Statement on healing fund, Jan. 9, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2019- 01-09-Board-Statement.html 81. Michigan State University. (2019, January 16). Statement on Engler resignation letter (Jan. 16, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2019-01- 16-engler-resignation 82. Michigan State University. (2019, January 17). Engler resigns as interim president; board appoints Satish Udpa as acting president, Jan. 17, 2019 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/engler-resigns-as-interim- president-board-of-trustees-appoints-satish-udpa-as-acting-president/

83. Michigan State University. (2019, January 17). Statement on resignation of Interim President Engler [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2019- statements/01172019-resignation-john-engler.html 84. Michigan State University. (2019, January 18). Update from the MSU Board of Trustees [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board- statements/2019-statements/01182019-update-board-trustees.html 85. Michigan State University. (2019, January 30). Statement on preliminary Clery Audit report (Jan. 30, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2019-01-30-Clery-Audit-Statement 86. Michigan State University. (2019, February 15). Statement on re-establishing assistance fund [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board- statements/2019-statements/02152019-reestablishing-assistance-fund.html 87. Michigan State University. (2019, February 15). Statement of apology from Acting President Udpa to sexual assault survivors. [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2019-02-15-statement-to-survivors.html 88. Michigan State University. (2019, February 28). Intermediate healing fund established for Nassar survivors [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/intermediate-healing-fund-established-for- nassar-survivors/ 89. Michigan State University. (2019, March 19). Statement on Engler’s interview with Attorney General [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2019- statements/03192019-engler-interview-attorney-general.html 90. Michigan State University. (2019, April 15). Finalists selected for leader of Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance, April 15, 2019 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2019-04-10-Title-IX- candidates.html 91. Michigan State University. (2019, May 14). Statement on charges associated with healing fund (May 14, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2019-05-14-Healing-Fund-Charges 92. Michigan State University. (2019, June 12). Statement on conviction of William Strampel (June 12, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2019- 06-12-statement-on-strampel 93. Michigan State University. (2019, June 21). Trustees make Nassar-related announcements [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/trustees- make-nassar-related-announcements/ 94. Michigan State University. (2019, July 1). Sexual assault prevention program works to change campus culture, July 1, 2019 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/2019-07-01-sexual-assault-prevention- program-works-to-change-campus-culture.html

95. Michigan State University. (2019, July 30). Former president Simon retires from MSU [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/former-president- simon-retires-from-msu/ 96. Michigan State University. (2019, August 12). Statement on agreement with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2019-08-12-agreement-DHHS 97. Michigan State University. (2019, August 19). MSU appoints presidential advisors on sexual misconduct issues [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/msu-appoints-presidential-advisers-on- sexual-misconduct-issues/ 98. Michigan State University. (2019, August 22). New fund administrator set to begin supporting MSU Nassar survivors [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/new-fund-administrator-set-to-begin- supporting-msu-nassar-survivors/ 99. Michigan State University. (2019, August 29). MSU president to meet with sexual assault survivors, Aug. 20, 2019 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/msu-president-to-meet-with-sexual-assault- survivors/ 100. Michigan State University. (2019, September 5). Stanley sets course of action following federal reviews [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/stanley-sets-course-of-action-following- federal-reviews/ 101. Michigan State University. (2019, September 6). Trustee Byrum: Statement on independent investigation [Press release]. https://trustees.msu.edu/communications/board-statements/2019- statements/09062019-independent-investigation.html 102. Michigan State University. (2019, October 4). Laverne Cox to speak during MSU’s It’s On Us Week, Oct. 4, 2019 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/laverne-cox-to-speak-during-msu-its-on-us- week/ 103. Michigan State University. (2019, October 10). New website tracks progress on actions addressing federal reviews [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/new-website-tracks-progress-on-actions- addressing-federal-reviews/ 104. Michigan State University. (2019, October 16). Experts make recommendations to address sexual misconduct, Oct. 16, 2019 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/experts-make-recommendations-to-address- sexual-misconduct/ 105. Michigan State University. (2019, October 16). MSU pilots new sexual assault prevention training for local bars [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/msu-pilots-new-sexual-assault-prevention- training-for-local-bars/ 50

106. Michigan State University. (2019, October 28). Statement on Simon trial status (Oct. 28, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2019-10- 28-Simon-Trial-Status 107. Michigan State University. (2019, November 21). MSU releases campus survey results [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2019/msu-releases- campus-survey-results/ 108. Michigan State University. (2019, December 24). Statement on status of AG Nassar investigation (Dec. 24, 2019) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2019-12-24-AG-Investigation-Statement 109. Michigan State University. (2020, February 14). Statement on verdict in Kathie Klages case (Feb. 14, 2020) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/02-14-20-statement-on-Klages-verdict 110. Michigan State University. (2020, March 31). Healing fund expanded to cover additional mental health care costs [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/healing-fund-expanded-to-cover-additional- mental-health-care-costs/ 111. Michigan State University. (2020, April 20). Munford awarded for work in Nassar case [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/munford- awarded-for-work-in-nassar-case/ 112. Michigan State University. (2020, May 6). Statement on new Title IX regulations, May 6, 2020 [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues-statements/2020- 05-06-Statement-on-TitleIX-Regs 113. Michigan State University. (2020, May 13). Statement on decision in Lou Anna K. Simon case (May 13, 2020) [Press release]. https://msu.edu/issues- statements/2020-05-13-statement-on-simon-trial 114. Michigan State University. (2020, August 14). MSU instates updated policy amid new Title IX regulations [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/msu-instates-updated-policy-amid-new- title-ix-regulations/ 115. Michigan State University. (2020, September 1). More than 30 tasks completed in first year of federal review [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/tasks-completed-first-year-federal-review 116. Michigan State University. (2020, November 9). MSU kicks off virtual It’s On Us Week [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/msu-kicks-off- virtual-its-on-us-week 117. Michigan State University. (2020, November 12). MSU opens first-ever sexual assault healthcare program, Nov. 12, 2020 [Press release]. https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2020/msu-opens-sexual-assault-health-care- program 118. Michigan State University. (2021, January 15). Jan. 15, 2021: Eradicating RVSM remains key priority for MSU [Press release].

https://president.msu.edu/communications/messages- statements/2021_community_letters/2021-01-15-rvsm-letter.html Undated Profiles:

1. Michigan State University. (n.d.). Profile: Holly Rosen leads MSU Safe Place, a national model for more than two decades [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/profile-rosen-safe-place.html 2. Michigan State University. (n.d.). Profile: MSU Special Victims Unit Lt. Andrea Munford fights for survivors [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/profile-munford-svu.html 3. Michigan State University. (n.d.). Profile: Jessica Norris, MSU’s Title IX coordinator, uses civil rights law to combat sexual violence and misconduct [Press release]. https://msu.edu/ourcommitment/news/profile-norris-titleix- coordinator.html

APPENDIX B – Analyzed Text

Title/Date Examples Image Repair Strategy “Letter to the “Our top priority continues to be ensuring justice is served. The Reducing Spartan MSU Police Department is dedicating significant resources to Offensiveness Community on this investigation and is coordinating with the U.S. Attorney’s (Bolstering) Larry Nassar Office and the state Attorney General.” investigation” 2.3.2017 “Based on the dozens of criminal complaints made against Denial (Shifting Nassar to MSU Police and the criminal charges brought against blame) him by the Michigan Attorney General and federal U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nassar abused the trust of his patients and his professional responsibility as a physician.” “MSU has taken a proactive approach to responding to this situation. Since complaints were made against Nassar in Aug. Corrective 2016, MSU: Action 1. Fired Nassar on Sept. 20, 2016. 2. Immediately launched an internal review of Nassar’s former work at the university, from his clinical work to his work with MSU Athletics. 3. Conducted a policy and protocol review within the MSU HealthTeam, and we have begun the process of strengthening, reinforcing, and centralizing policies and protocols, where necessary, regarding the role of chaperones, informed consent, and other areas of operations.” “Message from “Michigan State University has been responsive to this situation, Corrective the Board of taking active steps over the past months that have been Action Trustees” articulated in various university statements.” 2.17.2017 “President’s “People might conclude these developments indicate a culture Reducing remarks at Board problem here at MSU. Let me be clear: We are committed to Offensiveness creating a culture of both accountability and safety and (Bolstering)

of Trustees responsiveness regarding sexual assault and harassment. There Meeting” is no culture of tolerating sexual abuse or harassment on our 2.17.2017 campus.” Denial (Shifting “Like all institutions—and society itself—MSU is not perfect, blame) but we are dedicated to being better tomorrow than we are today. And we are absolutely committed to the safety and security of every member of our campus community.” “MSU Police “I want to sincerely thank the Attorney General, Assistant Reducing Chief James Attorneys General Angela Povilaitis and Robyn Liddell and Offensiveness Dunlap: Remarks MSU Police D/Sgt. Andrea Munford for their dedication and (Bolstering) from press countless hours in investigating and preparing the Larry Nassar conference” cases for prosecution.” 2.22.2017 “The MSU Police Department has a Special Victims Unit with Corrective full-time detectives assigned to cases such as the Nassar Action investigation. We work with local resources that are specific to sexual abuse and child abuse. Through these partnerships, we are able to provide additional resources to victims.” “President Simon: “…one thing is clear: Nassar used his reputation and standing as Denial (Shifting Message to MSU a physician to take advantage of his patients’ trust.” blame) community on Larry Nassar investigation” 2.22.2017 “Message from “As we have stated, sexual assault has no place in the MSU Corrective MSU Board of community. We are deeply concerned for the victims and their Action Trustees” families and the pain Nassar has caused them. We continue to 4.13.2017 actively engage with MSU leadership to ensure we learn what Mortification happened and why and to take action in meaningful ways. We owe this to the victims and to all members of the MSU community.”

“President Simon: “As you know, the MSU Police Department continues to Reducing Remarks to the aggressively investigate all allegations, dedicating more Offensiveness Board of Trustees resources to this investigation than any other while working (Bolstering) on Larry Nassar closely with the Michigan Attorney General and federal law investigation” enforcement officials in a case that spans jurisdictions, state 4.13.2017 lines and even international borders.”

“Yet even as we examine--through both criminal investigations Corrective and a thorough internal review--how something so abhorrent Action happened here and went on for so long, we are taking action.”

“Second, I have been told it is virtually impossible to stop a Evading determined sexual predator and pedophile, that they will go to Responsibility incomprehensible lengths to keep what they do in the shadows.” (Defeasibility) “Letter to the “Over the past few years, we have dedicated significant new Reducing Spartan resources to strengthen our approach to create a safe and Offensiveness community on supportive campus environment, including: (Bolstering) sexual assault Introducing and revising our Relationship Violence and Sexual issues and Misconduct policy actions” Creating the Office of Institutional Equity in 2015 to coordinate 4.26.2017 and direct MSU’s Title IX program and investigate reported incidents Devoting more resources and personnel to our Sexual Assault Program Requiring all students to complete an annual online training program Requiring all employees to complete an online training program biennially”

“A review of MSU HealthTeam policies and practices begun in Corrective fall 2016 and completed in March 2017 has strengthened Action policies regarding informed consent and the role of exam-room chaperones.”

“Finally, while determined sexual predators and pedophiles— Evading people who often exploit positions of personal and professional Responsibility trust—are very difficult to detect and stop, we at MSU will do (Defeasibility) all we can not only to safeguard our patients but also to continue to protect youth who come to our campus in all capacities.” “Profile: Debra “Now a senior investigator in the MSU Office of Institutional Reducing Martinez” Equity, Martinez is committed to enhancing collaboration Offensiveness 6.5.2017 among agencies and offices throughout the region to ensure that (Bolstering) students and other MSU community members receive this support.” “MSU “All told, the MSU HealthTeam provides more than 190,000 Reducing HealthTeam puts patient visits each year and performs nearly 25,000 routine and Offensiveness patients first” life-saving surgeries. In addition to allopathic and osteopathic (Bolstering) 7.5.2017 physicians, advanced practice nurses, and physician assistants, the team also comprises allied health professionals including nurses, psychologists, social workers, therapists and nutritionists.”

“That review led to two new policies, which took effect on April Corrective 15, 2017 governing patient privacy, chaperones and informed Action consent for examinations, treatments or procedures.” “Statements on “…charges facing former MSU doctor Larry Nassar shows, his Denial (Shifting Nassar’s federal behavior was deeply disturbing and repugnant. It was through blame) plea deal” the hard and diligent work of the MSU Police Department that 7.11.2017 led to Nassar’s arrest and conviction on the federal charges. We are grateful for all of the law enforcement efforts put forth by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and the FBI.”

“I am very pleased with the outstanding investigative efforts of Reducing the MSU Police Department’s Special Victims Unit and the Offensiveness (Bolstering)

Digital Forensics and Cyber Crime Unit, who recovered and analyzed the evidence in these cases.” “MSU experts “The group is charged with developing resources for sexual Reducing tapped to provide assault survivors that will be available this fall to all Michigan Offensiveness resources for campuses and their community partners” … “The workgroup’s (Bolstering) sexual assault first task is to develop a survivor toolkit to be unveiled and survivors” distributed at the First Lady’s third annual “Inform. Empower. 7.25.2017 Prevent.” summit on Sept. 25.” “MSU community “Since the start of the 2015-2016 academic year, MSU has been Reducing shapes future collecting qualitative data from students, faculty and staff Offensiveness Title IX efforts” through focus groups and town hall meetings…Led by the (Bolstering) 8.3.2017 university’s Sexual Violence Advisory Committee and Violence Free Communities Committee, the effort includes seeking feedback on pressing concerns and climate issues, soliciting suggestions for improving the university’s responses to these concerns and issues, and asking for assessments of MSU support services and outreach and prevention efforts.” “MSU announces “As part of its commitment to continue strengthening efforts to Corrective firm, scope of combat sexual violence, Michigan State University has selected Action work for Title IX law firm Husch Blackwell to perform the Title IX program review” review announced last spring.” 9.8.2017 “An external review of our Title IX program is important to Reducing assess our progress and plan for the future”…“This will provide Offensiveness us valuable input as we continue to build a more robust (Bolstering) infrastructure to prevent sexual assault, support victims and encourage reporting.” “Statement on “The ongoing third-party review of our Title IX program serves Corrective new Title IX as an opportune time to measure our progress and compare our Action guidance” policies and practices against national best practices.” 9.22.2017 “Regardless of changing federal guidance, our position remains resolute: We remain committed to cultivating a safe and

inclusive campus community that is free of sex discrimination, Reducing sexual harassment, and sexual violence.” Offensiveness (Bolstering) “MSU report “Michigan State University’s second annual Title IX report Corrective details highlights continued progress in addressing and preventing Action relationship relationship violence and sexual misconduct, including the violence, sexual timeliness of the investigative and student conduct processes and misconduct an increase in the number and type of education and prevention complaints” programs.” 9.29.2017 “Although the number of reports increased from last academic Reducing year, Title IX Director Jessica Norris believes that is a result of Offensiveness continued efforts to raise awareness, rather than an increase in (Transcendence) actual incidents.”

“Data from the National College Health Assessment seem to Reducing bear that out; MSU students have the highest level of awareness Offensiveness regarding sexual assault and relationship violence among all (Bolstering) participating universities.” “Teaming up for a “The team began nearly a decade ago when the Violence Free Reducing violence-free Communities committee was first charged with coordinating the Offensiveness community” university’s growing efforts to prevent sexual violence and (Bolstering) 10.3.2017 misconduct. The team expanded in 2015 when President Lou Anna K. Simon created the Sexual Violence Advisory Committee as a way to give students, faculty and staff a voice in shaping campus climate.” “MSU Empowers “From an inaugural bystander training program to expanded and Reducing Students with revamped education materials, MSU is further strengthening its Offensiveness Information to efforts to prevent sexual assault, relationship violence and (Bolstering) Help Prevent stalking on campus” … “MSU continually refreshes workshop Sexual Violence” scripts to make sure the scenarios resonate with students and the 10.3.2017 information presented remains current and relevant. In addition, MSU systematically assesses the workshops’ success.”

“Independent “Michigan State University’s Title IX policies are compliant Reducing review finds Title with all federal legal requirements and reflect a strong and Offensiveness IX policy genuine commitment to combatting sexual misconduct, (Bolstering) compliant, reflects according to an external report released today by a Kansas City commitment” law firm.” 11.11.2017 “Response of “As they have done before, today the plaintiffs’ attorneys have Evading plaintiffs’ press made accusations against the university claiming it is engaged in Responsibility conference” a ‘cover up of misconduct by university administrators.’ The (Defeasibility) 11.22.2017 university unequivocally denies this accusation. Moreover, MSU has consistently promised if it were to find any employee knew of and acquiesced in Nassar’s misconduct, the university would immediately report it to law enforcement.”

“As for the call for an independent investigation, the FBI and MSU Police Department conducted a joint investigation earlier Corrective this year to determine whether any university employee other Action than Nassar engaged in criminal conduct.”

“Michigan State University continues to be shocked and appalled by Larry Nassar’s now-admitted criminal conduct. Any Denial (Simple) suggestion that the university covered up this conduct is simply false.” “Statement on “We are grateful for the efforts of the entire MSU Police Reducing Nassar’s Department, specifically the detectives in the Special Victim’s Offensiveness convictions in Unit, who worked diligently and tirelessly since August 2016 on (Bolstering) Ingham and building the criminal case that led to Nassar’s conviction.” Eaton Counties” 11.29.2017 “Response from “We have been kept fully informed and regularly updated about Denial (Simple) Board of Trustees the legal team’s work on that case, and they have repeatedly on LSJ article” assured us that if they learn of criminal wrongdoing by any 12.3.2017 employee, at any level, it will immediately be reported to law

enforcement authorities. None has been found by anyone other than Nassar.” Corrective “Whether it is the creation of the Office of Institutional Equity, Action improving resources on campus for survivors or the recent external review of our Title IX program, active steps have and are being taken to better serve the MSU community.” Reducing “President Simon has proven her commitment to helping the Offensiveness university when it comes to the societal issue of sexual (Bolstering) misconduct. She has the complete confidence of the Board of Trustees to lead the university in this and all endeavors.” “Statement on “Nassar’s behavior was deeply disturbing and repugnant, as the Denial (Shifting Nassar’s federal state and federal criminal charges that he has been convicted of blame) sentencing” show.” 12.7.2017 “Message from “To express our concern for and commitment to these brave Reducing MSU Board of young women, we are establishing a $10 million fund for Offensiveness Trustees” counseling and mental health services and instructed the MSU (Compensation) 12.15.2017 leadership team to accomplish this with the utmost urgency.”

“Over the past 15 months, since Nassar’s criminal actions were Corrective first brought to our attention, the Board has been focused on Action understanding what work we can and must do to provide a safer campus environment. As President Simon said earlier, we have taken a hard look at areas where we can improve and acted quickly and decisively. Whether it is the MSU HealthTeam, our Title IX program, how medical services are provided or how we protect youth on campus, steps have been and continue to be taken to better serve our MSU community.”

“What we can state emphatically is that it is simply not true that Denial (Shifting there has been any kind of cover up. From the outset, we have blame)

directed our counsel to report immediately to us and to relevant law enforcement any knowledge of criminal behavior. We stand before you today and tell you that no such person has been identified to us.” Evading “We hope you understand that when we push back against Responsibility accusations made by plaintiffs’ lawyers about the university, and (Provocation) the university defends itself in the civil litigation, it is not a reflection of our view of the victims for whom we have the utmost respect and sympathy but our desire to set the record straight and to protect MSU’s educational and research missions.” Reducing Offensiveness “Finally, we would like to thank the MSU Police Department, (Bolstering) FBI, Attorney General and the US Attorney for their roles in bringing Nassar to justice and reaffirm our full confidence in and support for President Simon and her leadership during this difficult time.” “President Simon: “I want to again express my respect and appreciation for all Reducing Remarks to Board those in the law enforcement community—particularly the MSU Offensiveness of Trustees” Police special victims unit and cyber forensics team—whose (Bolstering) 12.15.2017 tireless work helped accomplish that goal. I’d like to recognize Detective Lieutenant Andrea Munford and Cyberforensics Division detective Jerry Roudebush.”

“Over the past months, I have been intensely focused on making Corrective sure nothing interfered with the criminal investigation or Action bringing Nassar to justice. I also have been focused on taking steps to strengthen every part of MSU’s operations, policies and procedures that might in any way be improved to prevent something such as this from happening again.”

Mortification

“I am truly sorry for the abuse you suffered, the pain it caused, and the pain it continues to cause today. I am sorry a physician who called himself a Spartan so utterly betrayed your trust and everything this university stands for.” “President Simon: “Nassar preyed on his victims’ dreams and ambitions, changing Denial (Shifting Letter to the their lives in terrible ways. Under the guise of medical blame) Community” treatment, he abused his patients for years. “Underneath this 12.15.2017 veneer lurked a predator,” assistant U.S. attorney Sean Lewis said in a court filing.”

“While no criminal sentence will ever remedy what the victims Reducing lost, it is my sincere hope that it will allow some measure of Offensiveness healing to begin. Today the Board of Trustees announced a $10 (Compensation) million fund for counseling and mental health services as part of our commitment to support Nassar’s victims.”

“For me, this situation also reinforces the importance of taking a Corrective hard look at ourselves and learning from what happened— Action because it should never happen again. Since fall 2016, we have engaged external experts to comprehensively review various programs and recommend changes to strengthen our policies and procedures.”

“If…they found any evidence that anyone at MSU other than Evading Nassar knew of Nassar’s criminal behavior and did anything to Responsibility conceal or facilitate it then that evidence of criminal conduct (Defeasibility) would be reported immediately to…appropriate law enforcement authorities.…The evidence will show that no MSU official believed that Nassar committed sexual abuse prior to newspaper reports in the summer of 2016.”

“To the brave young women who came forward about Nassar, Mortification you have my deepest thanks, respect, and sympathy. I am truly

sorry for the abuse you suffered, the pain it caused, and the pain it still causes. I am sorry a physician who called himself a Spartan so utterly betrayed your trust and everything this university stands for.” “National “Michigan State University has selected the Commonwealth Corrective organizations Mediation and Conciliation Inc. (CMCI) and the Minnesota Action selected to oversee Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA) to help facilitate Healing access to counseling and mental health services for the victims Assistance Fund” of former MSU physician Larry Nassar under the MSU Healing 1.11.2018 Assistance Fund.”

“The $10 million fund is available to MSU health clinic patients Reducing and student athletes whom Nassar abused, as well as the parents Offensiveness of these victims.” (Compensation)

“I am truly sorry for the abuse Larry Nassar’s victims suffered, Mortification the pain it caused and the pain it continues to cause today. We want to help the victims and their families move forward with their lives and receive the support they need without worry of cost” … “I remain committed to creating a safe, inclusive campus that strongly condemns and combats sexual violence.” “Statement on “Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for Nassar’s victims; Mortification victim impact the thoughts and prayers of the entire MSU community are with statements in these women as we listen to their heartbreaking testimony.” Ingham County” 1.16.2018 “We are committed to supporting those in our community Reducing affected by these terrible crimes and have created the Healing Offensiveness Assistance Fund to help survivors access any counseling and (Compensation) mental health services they may need.”

“But as we have said previously, any suggestion that the Denial (Shifting university covered up Nassar’s horrific conduct is simply false. blame)

Nassar preyed on his victims, changing their lives in terrible ways.” “President Simon: “With several events related to the terrible crimes committed by Corrective Letter to MSU former MSU physician Larry Nassar in the news, I want to Action community” describe what we are doing to address the issues arising from 1.19.2018 this matter and, more importantly, the steps we are taking to support his victims, create the safest campus environment possible, and do our utmost to prevent something such as this from ever happening again.”

“As I have said, I am truly sorry for the abuse Nassar’s victims Mortification suffered, the pain it caused, and the pain it continues to cause. And I am sorry that a physician who called himself a Spartan so utterly betrayed everyone’s trust and everything for which the university stands. The Board has joined me in expressing these sentiments, and I can assure you the Board and I are united in our commitment to help the survivors move forward with their lives.”

“Simply put, our goal is to support survivors by making sure Reducing they get the counseling or mental health help they need, with Offensiveness minimal worry about cost. We have also retained the Minnesota (Compensation) Coalition Against Sexual Assault, which will provide referral services for Nassar’s victims who do not yet have counselors and need to locate providers near them.”

“MSU and the MSU Police Department have worked and will Reducing continue to work with any law enforcement investigation Offensiveness looking into criminal matters involving Nassar. In particular, I (Bolstering) want to thank the MSU Police and specifically the detectives in the Special Victims Unit, who spent countless hours helping bring Nassar to justice, as well as the FBI, the U.S. Attorney, and the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.”

“In a recent letter to the Michigan State Attorney General, Denial (Shifting MSU’s external counsel, including former U.S. Attorney Patrick blame) Fitzgerald, underscored those clear instructions from the Board and stated that, “. . . the evidence will show that no MSU official believed that Nassar committed sexual abuse prior to newspaper reports in the summer of 2016.” “Statement on “We are committed to continue supporting those in our Reducing Nassar’s Ingham community affected by these terrible crimes. The Healing Offensiveness County Assistance Fund was created to help survivors access any (Compensation) Sentencing” counseling and mental health services they may need. The 1.24.2018 thoughts and prayers of the entire MSU community are with these women.” “President Simon “To the survivors, I can never say enough that I am so sorry that Mortification announces a trusted, renowned physician was really such an evil, evil resignation from person who inflicted such harm under the guise of medical MSU” treatment. I know that we also share the same resolve to do 1.24.2018 whatever it takes to avert such tragedies here and elsewhere.”

“I am proud of the exceptional work of the Special Victims Unit Reducing led by Lieutenant Andrea Munford with the steadfast leadership Offensiveness of Chief Dunlap. I am proud of my support of their work even (Bolstering) though the results have been very painful to all who watched.” “Statement to “It is also clear that MSU has not been focused enough on the Corrective Larry Nassar victims.” Action victims” “We must also acknowledge that there have been failures at 1.26.2018 MSU, not only in our processes and operations, but in our Mortification culture, and we are united in our determination to take all necessary steps to begin a new day and change the environment at the university. The Board has initiated a process to bring in an independent third-party to perform a top-to-bottom review of all our processes relating to health and safety, in every area of the University, and to provide recommendations on actions that we

will implement to change the culture of MSU on this important issue.” “Board Chair: “We acknowledge that there have been failures at MSU, not Mortification Letter to MSU only in our processes and operations, but in our culture, and we Community” are united in our determination to take all necessary steps to Corrective 1.26.2018 begin a new day and to change the environment at the Action university. The Board has initiated action to bring in an independent third-party to perform a top-to-bottom review of all our processes relating to health and safety, in every area of the university, and to provide recommendations that we will implement to change the culture of MSU on this important issue.”

“It is clear to the Board that we have not been focused enough Reducing on the survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse. We deeply regret this, Offensiveness and it is our hope is that there will be an opportunity soon to (Compensation) resume dialog with counsel for the survivors, resulting in a fair and just resolution.” “Statement from “The following statement is something I wish never had to be Mortification John Engler, written. The gravity of the situation is so serious and with so interim president” many lives affected, I and Spartans across the nation are in 1.31.2018 disbelief that this has occurred at our university. But it has and I stand here with a level of resolve to commit all of my energy toward finding solutions.” “Statement on “Nassar’s behavior was horrific and repugnant, and it is deeply Denial (Shifting Nassar’s Eaton disturbing to know that his crimes were often committed on blame) County campus.” sentencing” 2.5.2018 “MSU is committed to making sure that we are doing what we Reducing must to provide a healthy and safe environment for all members Offensiveness of our community. President Engler has called for a culture (Bolstering) change at MSU and we will be taking all necessary steps to begin a new day and improve the environment at the university.”

“Engler takes first “William Strampel did not act with the level of professionalism Denial (Shifting step to remove we expect from individuals who hold senior leadership blame) Strampel” positions, particularly in a position that involves student and 2.9.2018 patient safety” … “Further, allegations have arisen that question whether his personal conduct over a long period of time met MSU’s standards. We are sending an unmistakable message today that we will remove employees who do not treat students, faculty, staff, or anyone else in our community in an appropriate manner.” “MSU hires firm “Michigan State University’s Office of Institutional Equity has Corrective to help promptly enlisted Kroll, a leading global provider of investigative Action investigate reports services, to serve as an independent third party to help of sexual assault, investigate complaints files under MSU’s Title IX Relationship harassment” Violence and Sexual Misconduct Policy.” 2.13.2018 “The OIE has experienced a 35 percent increase in incident Reducing reports from academic year 2015-2016 to 2016-2017 and Offensiveness expects the number to continue to rise. This trend is consistent (Transcendence) with MSU’s efforts to raise awareness and foster a culture where individuals feel empowered and supported in reporting.” “Letter to the “MSU is committed to cooperating with all official requests, and Corrective MSU campus I’m grateful for the cooperation that faculty and staff have given Action community” the General Counsel’s office and the law firms that are assisting 2.13.2018 the university.”

“Michigan State, too, needs to heal and to emerge a stronger institution, one where safety, respect, and civility are hallmarks.” “MSU President “In keeping with his promise to make health care at Michigan Reducing Engler targets State University a national model for quality and safety, Interim Offensiveness safety, quality and President John Engler today announced a new structure for the (Bolstering) transparency with university’s health colleges, clinical practice and student wellness programs, including two leadership appointments.”

new health structure” “As a physician whose core value is caring, I feel it’s my Corrective 2.14.2018 obligation to the courageous survivors of sexual abuse to draw Action upon my experience in university clinical practice management to ensure safe quality care for every patient and every student, every time.” “MSU Interim “Michigan State University Interim President John Engler Corrective President John announced today the formation of an expert advisory workgroup Action Engler names to formalize recommendations drawn from the input of Relationship survivors, students, faculty and staff from across campus. The Violence and recommendations will help constitute a comprehensive Sexual university response to relationship violence and sexual Misconduct misconduct.” Expert Advisory Workgroup” 2.23.2018 “Letter to the “Certainly, Michigan State is not alone in the national reckoning Reducing MSU community” stemming from the growing awareness of relationship abuse and Offensiveness 2.23.2018 sexual violence. Repugnant stories in the news about how (Differentiation) powerful men treated women, the rising societal intolerance of relationship and sexual violence stemming from that greater awareness, and the social media coverage, shocking #MeToo testimonials, and even revelations involving new organizations, including ESPN, FOX, and NBC, have made it clear that all behaviors must change. This is long overdue national conversation, and MSU is very much part of it. We have to respond and we have to lead.” Corrective “To assist me, I’m announcing today the formation of a new Action Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup.” “MSU strives to “A preliminary report released by a Kansas City law firm Reducing improve reaffirmed Michigan State University’s Title IX policies reflect Offensiveness

effectiveness of a strong and genuine commitment to combatting sexual (Bolstering) sexual assault misconduct.” prevention and Corrective education “However, the report also revealed opportunities for reframing Action programs, prevention and education programs, enhancing mental health communications services and increasing awareness of available resources to the and mental health campus community.” services” 3.22.2018 “Engler takes “Shortly after the release of a preliminary report evaluating the Corrective quick action to effectiveness of Title IX-related education and prevention Action address campus programs, and based on recommendations from the Relationship community Violence and Sexual Misconduct Advisory Workgroup, concerns about Michigan State University Interim President John Engler is sexual assault announcing the creation of the Office of Civil Rights and Title programs” IX Education and Compliance.” 3.23.2018 “State grant “Michigan State University will soon add four new employees Reducing funding helps to its Sexual Assault Program, thanks to grant funding from the Offensiveness expand resources Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Division (Bolstering) in Sexual Assault of Victim Services, Crime Victim Services Commission.” Program” 3.26.2018 “‘The community is coming together to take swift action and solve a problem and the assistance from state government shows Corrective they have the right priorities’ … ‘We are making changes so Action MSU becomes a model for addressing sexual harassment and assault. You can’t do this if staff levels are not commensurate with need.’” “Statement on “As explained then, it was plainly evident that he had not acted Denial (Shifting arrest of former with the level of professionalism expected of an MSU employee, blame) Dean Strampel” particularly one holding an office that involves student and 3.27.2018 patient safety.”

“While the crimes of one doctor and the misconduct of his dean Corrective do not represent our values, they do demand the scrutiny of Action everyone in order to assure individuals like these can never be in a position again to harm others.” “Statement on “Michigan State University is pleased that mediation will restart. Reducing restarting The university remains committed to reaching a fair settlement Offensiveness mediation” with all the survivors. Former Federal Judge Layn Phillips will (Compensation) 3.28.2018 be a strong, independent mediator, and we have confidence he will work hard to bring the parties to a resolution.” “Statement on “MSU remains committed to reaching a fair and equitable Reducing restarting settlement at the earliest possible opportunity. We continue to Offensiveness mediation” feel that is in the best interest of the survivors and all other (Compensation) 3.28.2018 parties.” “Interim “Our memories and interpretations of the March 28 meeting are Denial (Shifting President Engler: different than hers. I am sorry if anything said during the blame) Statement on meeting was misunderstood. Regardless, since mediation of all Reducing survivor claims begins on April 25, there will be an appropriate place for Offensiveness discussion” discussions concerning what would be a fair and equitable (Compensation) 4.13.2018 resolution.”

“Statement from “I offer my sincerest and most heartfelt apology for the letter I Mortification Carol Viventi” sent to MSU leaders after the Board meeting. I did not think 4.18.2018 about how my words would make the survivors feel. What the survivors of Larry Nassar have been through should not be experienced by anyone, and I’m sorry my words added to their pain.” “Interim “What I continue to learn about Bill Strampel disgusts me. Mortification President Engler: Anytime concerns are raised about faculty and staff behavior, Statement on we take those concerns seriously and investigate.” conduct of former Dean Strampel” “We are making changes in our Human Resource policies, Corrective 4.26.2018 including those governing evaluations and reviews.” Action

“Provost Youatt: “I find the descriptions of Strampel’s behavior that continue to Evading Statement on come to light shocking and appalling.” Responsibility reviews of former (Defeasibility) Dean Strampel” “We had just completed his five-year review where input about 5.1.2018 his effectiveness was solicited from on and off campus through an anonymous survey. The results included several accounts of inappropriate remarks and a number of concerns about uncouth and sometimes offensive language during the review period. The concerns raised were taken seriously, and I specifically addressed these in the required post-review conversation. At that point, no complaints had been filed with OIE or MSUPD regarding Strampel’s behavior.” “Larry Nassar “Attorneys representing 332 survivors of former Michigan State Reducing Survivors and University doctor Larry Nassar in lawsuits against MSU and Offensiveness Michigan State attorneys for the university announced a global settlement in (Compensation) University principle totaling $500 million.” announce they have successfully resolved existing litigation and agreed in principle to a $500 million global settlement 5.16.2018 “Board Chair: “We are truly sorry to all the survivors and their families for Mortification Statement on what they have been through, and we admire the courage it has settlement” taken to tell their stories.” 5.16.2018 Corrective “We recognize the need for change on our campus and in our Action community around sexual assault awareness and prevention.”

“We appreciate the hard work of the mediator and the parties Reducing involved in coming to this fair resolution.” Offensiveness (Compensation) “Interim “The entire MSU community has worked hard at changes to Corrective President Engler: make sure a monster like Larry Nassar could never hide again on Action Statement on our campus.” settlement” 5.16.2018 “Jessica Norris: “Today, we are focused on identifying opportunities for Reducing Working in the continuous improvement to enhance the experience of students Offensiveness Office for Civil and employees who encounter the OIE investigation process.” (Bolstering) Rights and Title IX Education” 5.29.2018 “MSU expands “Michigan State University’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Reducing sexual misconduct Misconduct Expert Advisory Workgroup has added two new Offensiveness workgroup” members as it continues to receive feedback and enact suggested (Bolstering) 6.14.2018 changes related to the university’s response to relationship violence and sexual misconduct.” “Statement from “Whatever the tensions were before, we have successfully Reducing Interim President negotiated a settlement agreement – something that is fair and Offensiveness John Engler” equitable to both sides, and that both sides agreed to.” (Compensation) 6.15.2018 “We are now committed to continuing our efforts to strengthen Reducing sexual misconduct prevention on and off campus and to respond Offensiveness promptly to and appropriately if prevention fails.” (Bolstering) “Interim leader of “As interim associate vice president, Kent will be responsible Reducing Title IX and civil for the departments that investigate civil rights and Title IX Offensiveness rights office complaints and that are responsible for prevention, education (Bolstering) selected” and outreach efforts. The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX 6.18.2018 Education and Compliance, formed in March, also coordinates Corrective with MSU entities that provide crisis and advocacy services to Action survivors of sexual assault and relationship violence.”

“Interim “Last week while I was on my way to Texas, a private email Mortification President Engler: conversation of mine from April was made public. I didn’t give Statement on it the consideration it warranted. apology to survivors” That was a big mistake. 6.21.2018 I was wrong. I apologize.”

“My speculation about the lead plaintiff receiving kickbacks or referral fees hurt her deeply and for that I am truly sorry. She and the other survivors suffered greatly and they are entitled not to have their sincerity questioned, either individually or as a group. I apologize to her and her sister survivors.”

“When I arrived at MSU, Larry Nassar was already in jail but Denial (Shifting students and survivors alike were protesting. I apologized blame) publicly to the survivors on behalf of the University for the harm Nassar had done.”

“Days after I arrived, I moved to revoke Dean Strampel’s tenure. We changed the protocols and policies in our medical clinics Corrective that allowed Nassar to escape detection for nearly two decades. Action We are dedicating more resources to sexual assault prevention and support services. Still that was not enough, a settlement had to be achieved.” “Board of Trustee “The Board remains very hopeful that the $500 million Reducing Statement settlement reached with the Nassar survivors will allow them to Offensiveness Regarding heal and MSU to accelerate efforts to enhance campus safety (Compensation) Interim President and security for all who study, work or visit one of America’s John Engler” most beautiful universities.” 6.21.2018 “The combined impact of these organizational changes, new Corrective leadership roles and the addition of new staff continues the Action

overhaul of the MSU approach to prevention, investigation and compliance. The comparison of where we are today to one year ago is stunning.” “MSU creates risk “Created at the request of the MSU Board of Trustees, the office Corrective management, is intended to ensure the university’s adherence to policies as Action ethics and well as legal and regulatory requirements.” compliance” 6.21.2018 “MSU creates risk “Interim Michigan State University President John Engler Reducing management, appointed Nicholas Wittner to lead the university’s new Office Offensiveness ethics and of Enterprise Risk Management, Ethics and Compliance.” (Bolstering) compliance” 7.5.2018 “Newly signed “As I said before, Strampel has not acted with the level of Denial (Shifting agreement means professionalism expected of an MSU employee, particularly one blame) Strampel is gone holding an office with the responsibility of patient safety. His from MSU” conduct and attitude were unacceptable and went against the 7.6.2018 values of this university.” “Statement on “It was brought to our attention earlier this week by the firm that Evading Status of Healing manages the Healing Assistance Fund that there are possible Responsibility Assistance Fund” fraudulent claims being made. MSU has decided to halt all (Good 7.26.2018 further payments while the situation can be investigated. This Intentions) fund was created to provide survivors the resources they need for their recovery and healing, specifically counseling and mental health services, and we want to ensure these funds are being distributed appropriately.” “MSU Police “This is one more step in President Engler’s commitment to Reducing Announce New strengthen and enhance MSU’s response to reports of Offensiveness Initiative to Focus relationship violence and sexual assault.” (Bolstering) on Relationship Violence and “Since the Larry Nassar investigation, the MSU Police Corrective Sexual Assault Department has received continuous requests to provide Action Services” information and training on trauma-informed and victim-

8.2.2018 centered investigations”…“As the lead investigator of the Nassar investigation, I’m confident that Lt. Munford will identify and highlight the best practices to be utilized and assist other agencies and departments around the country to provide a victim-centered investigation for all survivors.” “Statement on “Kathie Klages is no longer an employee at Michigan State Denial (Shifting charges filed University. The university was not present when she gave blame) against Kathie statements to the Michigan State Police, so we have no comment Klages” on what she told investigators or the charges announced today.” 8.23.2018 Reducing “MSU is committed to implementing changes for the fall Offensiveness semester that enhance prevention and education programming (Bolstering) and establish new safety measures as well as increase resources and support for survivors of sexual assault.” “Statement on “We are deeply sorry for the abuses Larry Nassar has Mortification new lawsuit committed, and for the trauma experienced by all sexual assault allegations” survivors.” 9.11.2018 Corrective “While the protocols and procedures mentioned in this lawsuit Action do not reflect how sexual assault claims are handled at MSU, we are taking the allegations very seriously and looking into the Reducing situation.” Offensiveness (Bolstering) “MSU is working diligently to create a campus community where all members feel safe to study and work free from the threat of sexual misconduct and relationship violence.” “MSU’s ‘Know “Michigan State this fall initiated its “Know More” campaign to Reducing More’ campaign promote awareness of the resources available to those in the Offensiveness promotes sexual campus community who are affected by sexual misconduct, (Bolstering) assault resources” relationship violence and stalking.” 10.8.2018 “‘In the wake of the horrific revelations stemming from the trial Corrective of Larry Nassar and the survivors’ testimony prior to his Action

sentencing, MSU has responded in an unprecedented way’ … ‘While healing for survivors – and the campus community – might come slowly, the university recognized that immediate and ongoing action is needed to improve and promote its policies, procedures and the culture surrounding relationship violence and sexual misconduct and its reporting.’” “Statement on “While the investigation is ongoing, the fund has remained Evading investigation of frozen to avoid interference and to prevent any more fraudulent Responsibility healing assistance activities from accessing funds that should be going to those (Good fund” who need it most. We apologize for any delay this may cause Intentions) 10.19.2018 survivors in getting support and help.” “Statement on “The university is reviewing the proposed Title IX rules Reducing proposed Title IX announced by the U.S. Department of Education earlier today Offensiveness rule changes” along with the recent opinions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for (Bolstering) 11.16.2018 the 6th Circuit. MSU is committed to student safety, which includes the prevention of sexual assaults and misconduct as well as how these situations are investigated.” “New resources “Michigan State University tapped expert knowledge, best Reducing help guide practices and community input to offer a set of resources to Offensiveness trauma-informed guide the campus community in planning trauma-informed (Bolstering) meetings and meetings, and new guidelines for public statements and communications” responses.” 11.27.2018 “MSU makes $500 “MSU reached a $500 million settlement with the survivors in Reducing million settlement May, and legal steps were taken recently to allow the university Offensiveness payment to to make the initial $425 million payment to the Qualified (Compensation) survivor fund” Survivor Fund.” 12.4.2018 Corrective “‘Making the payment on this settlement is an important step for Action the university, but is it not the only way MSU is accountable to those harmed,’ … ‘The entire campus is focused on Reducing implementing the improvements we’ve made in health care Offensiveness practices, reporting practices, campus-wide sexual assault (Bolstering)

education and prevention efforts and trauma-informed response and treatment for survivors.’” “Statement on “We are extraordinarily sorry that Larry Nassar was on our Mortification Forsyth Report” campus and has hurt so many people.” 12.21.2018 “The university is engaged in – and investing in – an intense Corrective reform and cultural change effort to ensure that Michigan State Action University is a safe campus for students, faculty, staff and our community.” Denial (Simple) “Today’s announcement shows that the attorney general’s office has found no criminal conduct beyond those formerly charged, even after reviewing more than a half million documents and interviewing 500 people.” “Board Chair: “Today, reaffirming the Board’s ongoing commitment to Reducing Statement on supporting survivors, the Board of Trustees unanimously Offensiveness healing fund” instructed the university to establish a fund to assist with the (Compensation) 1.9.2019 cost of counseling and mental health services for former patients of Larry Nassar. The Board has a moral obligation to do what is right and hopes this fund provides continued opportunities for survivors to heal and, through them, helps the MSU community heal.” “Engler resigns as “‘While we collectively are working very hard to make needed Corrective interim president; improvements regarding the prevention of and response to Action Board of Trustees sexual misconduct and relationship violence, as well as appoints Satish enhancing patient care and safety, none of our hard work will Mortification Udpa as acting matter if people in leadership say hurtful things and do not listen president” to the survivors’ ... ‘To the survivors, the entire Board of 1.17.2019 Trustees extends our remorse over the regretful comments Engler has made. We are diligently seeking a new leader to continue our healing and guide our campus to achieve our aspirations in integrity, inclusion, research and education.’”

“Statement on “MSU has been working hard to make needed improvements Corrective resignation of regarding the prevention of and response to sexual misconduct Action Interim President and relationship violence, as well as enhancing patient care and Engler” safety. But none of our work will matter if our leaders say Mortification 1.17.2019 hurtful things and do not listen to survivors. Engler’s statements regarding survivors of sexual assault have been extremely hurtful and do not reflect the values of our university. The Board deeply regrets the impact on survivors and our community.” “Update from the “Michigan State University has been working hard to make Corrective MSU Board of needed improvements in preventing and responding to Action Trustees” relationship violence and sexual misconduct and to better ensure 1.18.2019 patient care and safety. But none of our work will matter if our Mortification leaders fail to heed the feelings and sensibilities of survivors and our community. John Engler’s insensitive statements did not reflect the values of our university, to the dismay of the Board of Trustees no less than to our global community of Spartans.” “Statement on “We appreciate the expertise and efforts of the Department of Corrective preliminary Clery Education investigators. The university is committed to Action Audit report” cooperating with the department and is carefully reviewing the 1.30.2019 preliminary findings. Our staff will continue to focus on making improvements to ensure accurate and transparent reporting on campus crime policy and statistics. It is our goal to be in full compliance with Clery Act requirements, which is one of the many ways we are working to strengthen campus safety.” “Statement on re- “We know many survivors and family members are in need right Reducing establishing now of mental health and counseling services. It is our plan to offensiveness assistance fund” re-establish the fund that was frozen last summer, under the (Compensation) 2.15.2019 original parameters initially set forth.” “Statement of “In January of 2018, I wrote of the Nassar survivors: “We share Mortification apology from their anguish, and our first obligation is to help them recover and Acting President become whole.” Satish Udpa to

sexual assault “I want you to know that on behalf of this university I love, as survivors” acting president and an executive officer, and as a former dean 2.15.2019 and faculty member, I realize the need to formally apologize and to effectively atone.”

“We failed to comprehend and acknowledge your injuries at the time. We were too slow to grasp the scope and enormity of the offense you endured.”

And we failed to treat you with the respect and care you deserved even as we sought to make amends.” “Intermediate “During its first meeting of 2019, the Michigan State University Reducing healing fund Board of Trustees directed the university to re-establish a fund Offensiveness established for to support counseling and mental health services for the (Compensation) Nassar survivors” survivors of Larry Nassar.” 2.28.2019 “Statement on “We appreciate MSUPD for being very thorough in its Reducing charges associated investigation of the reported fraud.” Offensiveness with healing (Bolstering) fund” Reducing 5.14.2019 “The Board of Trustees continues to work on finalizing a new Offensiveness fund, in the meantime the intermediate fund is still available.” (Compensation) “Statement on “We will continue addressing the culture that allowed such Corrective conviction of abhorrent behavior as we work on meaningful actions to be Action William more aware and more accountable. We have improved our dean Strampel” review process, improved patient-care policies and our College 6.12.2019 of Osteopathic Medicine is developing a forward-looking strategic plan to improve and assess the educational climate. We know we have more work to do and are committed to the changes needed.” “Trustees make “The Michigan State University Board of Trustees announced Reducing Nassar-related creation of a new fund to support counseling and mental health Offensiveness announcements” services for Larry Nassar survivors.” (Compensation)

6.21.2019 “Trustees also announced their intention to initiate an Corrective independent investigation into the facts associated with the Action Nassar case.” “Sexual assault “What difference can a year make? With just more than a year Reducing prevention of operation, the Prevention, Outreach and Education Offensiveness program works to Department is focusing cultural change at Michigan State (Bolstering) change campus University around relationship violence and sexual misconduct culture” (RVSM) prevention.” 7.1.2019 “Statement on “The agreed-upon revisions recommended by the U.S. Corrective agreement with Department of Human Services, Office of Civil Rights further Action U.S. Department enhance the many protection and policy updates MSU has made of Health and since Nassar’s arrest…” Human Services” 8.12.2019 “MSU appoints “Michigan State University President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., Corrective presidential M.D. has appointed two presidential advisers to support and Action advisers on sexual drive the university’s efforts to address relationship violence and misconduct” sexual misconduct issues.” 8.19.2019 “What happened at MSU was a horrible tragedy, and the Mortification institution failed survivors and members of our community.”

“I am confident that the expertise, credibility and commitment Corrective of Rebecca Campbell and Andrea Munford will help MSU take Action the necessary steps to address critical issues head on.” “New fund “Starting Sept. 1, survivors of former doctor Larry Nassar Reducing administrator set seeking reimbursement from Michigan State University for Offensiveness to begin counseling and mental health services will be supported by a (Compensation) supporting MSU new fund administrator.” Nassar survivors” 8.22.2019

“Stanley sets “OCR found the university violated Title IX in its handling of Corrective course of action the Larry Nassar and William Strampel cases. A letter of Action following federal findings and resolution agreement between OCR and MSU lay reviews” out actions the university will begin immediately.” 9.5.2019 “Trustee Bynum: “These investigations were an independent, comprehensive Corrective Statement on review that provide Michigan State University with a blueprint Action independent for moving forward on making necessary changes and investigation” improvements. The findings also highlight some of the failures 9.6.2019 and weaknesses that we need to be accountable for.” “MSU president “Stanley, and his two advisers on RVSM issues, Dr. Rebecca Mortification to meet with Campbell and Lt. Andrea Munford, issued a joint statement and sexual assault apology today acknowledging the oversight.” survivors” 9.12.2019 “‘In efforts to not interfere with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Corrective Kippur we are changing two of the selected dates for upcoming Action meetings with survivors of sexual assault.’ …‘We hope this will be more accommodating for all survivors who would like to attend.’” “Laverne Cox to “As part of effort to raise awareness and change the culture Reducing speak during around sexual violence, MSU’s It’s On US mirrors the national Offensiveness MSU It’s On Us initiative’s charge to stand up for and with survivors of sexual (Bolstering) Week” assault, and taking accountability and action to end sexual 10.4.2019 violence.” “New website “A new webpage will allow the campus community to track Reducing tracks progress on Michigan State University’s progress on completing items Offensiveness actions addressing outlined in recent reviews conducted by the U.S. Department of (Bolstering) federal reviews” Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 10.10.2019 related to the Affordable Care Act, Clery Act and Title IX.” “Experts make “Working to address sexual misconduct is an ongoing priority Reducing recommendations on college campuses across the country.” Offensiveness to address sexual (Differentiation) misconduct”

10.16.2019 “At Michigan State University, a variety of experts have been Reducing charged with the task of creating and refining programs to best Offensiveness address preventatives measures and further educate the (Bolstering) community at large.” “MSU pilots new “More than 80 bar staff in the East Lansing area were introduced Reducing sexual assault to a portion of “Active Barstander,” a new training pilot to teach Offensiveness prevention sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention methods to (Bolstering) training for local those who work in the service industry.” bars” 10.16.2019 “MSU releases “We needed a comprehensive assessment of the climate at MSU Reducing campus survey for students, faculty and staff” … “MSU has never done a truly Offensiveness results” campuswide survey on relationship violence and sexual (Bolstering) 10.16.2019 misconduct, and we needed to hear from our community about their experiences, concerns and ideas for changing the culture at MSU.” “Statement on “We appreciate all the time and hard work the Attorney Reducing status of AG General’s Office has put into their investigation over the past Offensiveness Nassar two years. MSU has cooperated fully with the inquiry, including (Bolstering) investigation” handing over all facts associated with the case.” 12.24.2019 “We continue making improvements and increasing our Corrective education and prevention efforts to make sure this can never Action happen again. Our hearts are with the survivors and their families as they continue their healing as well.” “Statement on “MSU remains committed to the changes needed that ensure a Reducing verdict in Kathie stronger, safer and better climate for all faculty, staff, students Offensiveness Klages case” and visitors.” (Bolstering) 2.14.2020 “Healing fund “Based on feedback from the survivor community and Reducing expanded to cover recommendations from the Michigan State University Offensiveness additional mental Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct Expert Advisory (Compensation) health care costs” Workgroup, the MSU Board of Trustees has expanded the

3.31.2020 medical services eligible for reimbursement under the Counseling and Mental Health Services Fund.” “Munford “Michigan State University Police Department Lt. Andrea Reducing awarded for work Munford was recognized by End Violence Against Women Offensiveness in Nassar case” International with the 2020 Professional Impact Award for her (Bolstering) 4.20.2020 victim-centered, trauma-informed approached to investigating Larry Nassar.” “Statement on “Michigan State University is carefully reviewing the new Title Reducing new Title IX IX regulations released today by the U.S. Department of Offensiveness regulations” Education. Our current policies and procedures will remain in (Bolstering) 5.6.2020 effect as we determine the implications of the new regulations. We remain committed to creating and maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students, staff, and faculty on campus, off campus and virtually.” “Statement on “MSU remains committed to the changes need that ensure a Reducing decision in Lou stronger, safer and more respectful campus community for all Offensiveness Anna K. Simon students, faculty and staff.” (Bolstering) case” 5.13.2020 “MSU instates “We took this as an opportunity to create a policy that strives for Reducing updated policy clarity and important supportive measures that increase equity, Offensiveness amid new Title IX accountability, and transparency for all involved in the Title IX (Bolstering) regulations” process.” 8.14.2020 “More than 30 “Recently, MSU revised its Relationship Violence and Sexual Reducing tasks completed in Misconduct and Title IX Policy to complete with new Title IX Offensiveness first year of rules. The policy continues to prohibit conflicts of interest or (Bolstering) federal review” bias by investigators and expert witnesses. The university also 9.1.2020 developed new stand-alone protocols for reporting possible instances of relationship violence, sexual misconduct, stalking or retaliation.”

“MSU kicks off “Amid a global pandemic, MSU’s Prevention, Outreach and Reducing virtual It’s On Us Education Department is finding innovative ways to keep Offensiveness week” students engaged with relationship violence and sexual (Bolstering) 11.9.2020 misconduct prevention programming through the first virtual It’s On Us Week of Action Nov. 9-13.” “MSU opens first- “Free and confidential medical care is now available on the Reducing ever sexual assault Michigan State University campus 24 hours a day to individuals Offensiveness health care who have experienced sexual assault and seek care within a five- (Bolstering) program” day period.” 11.12.2020 “Eradicating “On this point, we expect the Lansing State Journal to publish a Corrective RVSM remains story in the coming days that likely will include references to Action key priority for inequities in our disciplinary processes for employees with MSU” findings of violations of our Relationship Violence and Sexual 1.15.2021 Misconduct (RVSM) policies. We are sharing this with you not to excuse past decisions; rather, we want you to know the actions we have taken the past few years and continue to take will improve our consistency and accountability. Changes have been made, and more work will be completed soon to address inequities in the disciplinary outcomes and further strengthen our disciplinary actions.” “Profile: Holly “The mission of MSU Safe Place is to ensure the safety, welfare Reducing Rosen” and dignity of those who experience relationship violence and Offensiveness n.d. stalking on campus and in the greater Lansing community. (Bolstering) Beyond emergency shelter, it provides advocacy, support groups, counseling, referrals, safety planning, child care, transportation and other services necessary for survivors to escape the violence in their lives.” “Profile: Andrea “When MSU launched its Special Victims Unit in fall 2014, it Reducing Munford” was among a small handful of universities nationwide to do so.” Offensiveness n.d. (Bolstering) “Police Chief Jim Dunlap first proposed creating the unit, which focuses on cases involving sexual assault, relationship violence,

child abuse, stalking, vulnerable adult abuse, missing persons and bias crimes.” “Profile: Jessica “Since joining MSU in December 2015 as coordinator for Title Reducing Norris” IX and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Norris has Offensiveness n.d. systematically strengthened and expanded the university’s (Bolstering) compliance with Title IX. She has enhanced training programs for MSU’s 65,000 students, faculty and staff on their rights and responsibilities under Title IX, upgraded policies and procedures, and streamlined the investigation and adjudication process for reported incidents. Under her leadership, the number of Title IX investigators at MSU has tripled from three to nine.”

APPENDIX C – Benoit’s Image Repair Typology

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