Michigan State University has reportedly agreed to pay $500 million to victims of Larry Nassar.
Michigan State University has settled hundreds of lawsuits filed against it by the survivors of MSU doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual assaults.
The settlement will cost the school $500 million. The school will pay $425 million now and hold $75 million in reserve in case other Nassar victims come forward.
That’s certainly a big deal for victims; there are currently more than 300 victims who have come forward, and given the $75 million set aside in the settlement for future victims, it’s horrifying to think that there are likely many more out still out there. The victims certainly deserve this, given how Michigan State contributed to enabling Nassar, including the various alleged instances where school officials didn’t believe accusations.
It’s also important that we continue to learn from the victim’s stories, which is why the lack of a non-disclosure agreement is a key element to the settlement:
“There will be no confidentiality agreements or non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlement,” according to a joint press release from the survivors and the university. “Additionally, the parties must act to address items necessary to finalize the agreement. The settlement applies to only Michigan State University and MSU individuals sued in the litigation. It does not address claims against USA gymnastics, the United States Olympic Committee, Bela and Martha Karolyi, Twistars, John Geddert or any other parties.”
Nassar himself will remain in prison for a very long time, but there are still plenty of people out there (including outside of Michigan State) who bear some responsibility for Nassar’s crimes. Hopefully the justice system gets to all of them at some point.
