© 2024 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MSU Interim President Engler To Testify Before Congress on July 24

John Engler photo
Scott Pohl
/
WKAR-MSU
MSU interim president John Engler

Michigan State University interim president John Engler plans to testify before a US Senate committee investigating the Larry Nassar case next Tuesday. 

Emily Guerrant, MSU vice-president, and university spokesperson confirmed to WKAR that Engler has been invited to speak on July 24 at 2:30 p.m.

He'll address the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security.

The subcommittee is calling the presentation “Strengthening and Empowering US Amateur Athletes: Moving Forward with Solutions.”

Michigan State was accused of ignoring or dismissing complaints about  Larry Nassar, some as far back as the 1990s. The school had insisted that no one covered up assaults, although Nassar's boss was later charged with failing to properly supervise him and committing his own sexual misconduct.

Nassar, 54, pleaded guilty to molesting women and girls under the guise of treatment and was caught with child pornography. He is serving three prison sentences that will likely keep him locked up for life.

The scandal rocked MSU, leading to the resignation of President Lou Anna Simon on Jan. 24 and athletic director Mark Hollis two days later. The fallout has also pushed out many leaders at the top of competitive gymnastics.

Lou Anna Simon
Credit Screen shot from C-SPAN
Former MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon testifies before a US Senate subcommittee about the Larry Nassar case in June 2018.

Former Michigan State president Lou Anna K. Simon also appeared before the committee on June 5. 

"I am horrified that Nassar's crimes happened during my tenure," Simon said. "Had I known that Nassar was sexually abusing young women, I would have taken immediate action to prevent him from preying on additional victims."

Related Content
Journalism at this station is made possible by donors who value local reporting. Donate today to keep stories like this one coming. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep this content free and accessible for everyone. Thanks!