With calls for interim MSU President John Engler to resign or be removed by the Board of Trustees growing, the board is scheduled to hold its regular public meeting on Friday.
Two of the eight Trustees, Brian Mosallam and Dianne Byrum, recently called for Engler’s removal over emails suggesting that Larry Nassar abuse survivor Rachel Denhollander might be taking kickbacks from lawyers involved in lawsuits against MSU. Five votes would be needed for that to happen.
This week, 137 “sister survivors” signed a public letter urging his ouster.
The Trustees have held a retreat this week that was not open to the public. The Detroit News has reported that along with informal talks about Engler’s future, the board was to discuss the process for choosing a permanent president, and a bond issue to help cover the cost of a $500-million dollar settlement with Nassar survivors.
Engler has said he is not leaving but instead will “continue to look ahead.”
The board meeting starts an hour earlier than usual, 8 a.m., and public participation has been moved up to early in the meeting rather than at the end. The protest group ReclaimMSU is urging supporters to arrive early.