Senators Stabenow, Peters call on MSU president to resign
(WJBK) - Two more Michigan politicians have joined the chorus of voices urging Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon to resign.
MORE COVERAGE:
"I just signed your death warrant": Nassar gets 175 years after 7 days of testimony
WATCH & READ: Judge Rosemarie Aquilina's full sentencing of Larry Nassar
Michigan House calls on MSU President Lou Anna Simon to step down
Nassar sentenced to 40-175 years in prison
Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters both called for his resign on the heels of a vote by the state House's resolution urging her to step down 96-11 earlier on Wednesday. The resolution does not carry the weight of a law but it reflects the strong bi-partisan sentiment.
The din of voices is in response to Simon's handling of the Larry Nassar case. Simon, a 40-year employee of the university, was president in 2014 when Nassar was suspended amid a school investigation that resulted in no findings.
Nassar was sentenced to 175 years in prison for abusing nearly 200 young female gymnasts for decades Wednesday. He was the team physician for both Michigan State and Team USA gymnastics.
Stabenow tweeted the following: It’s clear that it’s in the best interest of these courageous survivors, their families, and our State for President Lou Anna Simon to resign.
Peters, an MSU alumnus, also weighed in.
“We will never be able to fully account for the damage that Larry Nasser has done to his victims. In the past week, the survivors have fully awoken us to the evil he perpetrated, and now the judicial system has delivered the justice it can provide.
“However, it has become clear that the leadership at Michigan State University has failed to adequately prevent, address or respond to the victimization of young women and girls on its campus, and the crisis at MSU continues despite today’s verdict. Michigan State University has a long way to go in rebuilding trust with its students, athletes, faculty, alumni and the entire state of Michigan.
“To do so, it must have new leadership. As an MSU alumnus, I add my voice to those calling for President Simon’s resignation, and I will work in the U.S. Senate to address the failures that led us to this day.”