Public Media from Michigan State University

Why Is MSU Paying Nassar-Related Legal Bills?

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Former MSU Osteopathic Medicine Dean William Strampel's legal bills are being paid by the university under an indemnification policy.
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Michigan State University will pay the legal bills of officials facing charges related to the crimes of Larry Nassar. The university will pay lawyer bills for former President Lou Anna Simon, former College of Osteopathic Medicine Dean William Strampel, and former gymnastics coach Kathie Klages.

Click here to see the affidavit from the case against Lou Anna Simon.

The MSU Faculty Handbook includes an indemnification policy covering the support of trustees, officers, faculty and staff “when acting in the good faith performance of assigned duties.” Passed by MSU Trustees in 1974, the policy has been revised several times, including this past August.

Authority for applying indemnification rests with the President, except for when the decision involves the President or individual Trustees, in which case decisions rest with the full Board of Trustees.

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Scott Pohl is a general assignment news reporter and produces news features and interviews. He is also an alternate local host on NPR's "Morning Edition."