Michigan State University's Board of Trustees is swimming in troubled waters following an independent investigation by Miller & Chevalier, a Washington, D.C.-based law firm. The firm's investigation has put Board Chair Rema Vassar and Trustee Dennis Denno in the crosshairs, recommending that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should strongly consider the removal of the duo from their positions for alleged ethical violations and interference in university affairs. The MSU board has convened a late Sunday night meeting to address the findings.
The firm's 66-page report found that Vassar and Denno "engaged in conduct that exceeds the scope of their authority" and encouraged actions potentially meant to unsettle MSU's governance structure. The investigation began after Trustee Brianna Scott accused Vassar of a pattern of unethical behavior and bullying. This report even accuses the pair of orchestrating attacks on colleagues, including leveraging confidential information to embarrass interim President Teresa Woodruff. In a statement obtained by the Detroit News, an attorney for Vassar maintained that no board guidelines were violated.
In addition to Vassar and Denno, Trustee Scott isn't off the hook. The report recommended censuring her for releasing confidential university communications publicly. "It is my hope that Trustees Vassar and Denno also accept responsibility for their actions and step down... so as not to force the governor to use taxpayer money to remove them," Scott told the Lansing State Journal, indicating a willingness to accept censure.
In response to the turmoil, the MSU board has promised a firm commitment to ethics and governance. "The board takes our responsibility and governance seriously and is committed to upholding our code of ethics," stated Trustee Dan Kelly according to the State News. Among the infractions, Vassar's acceptance of free flights and intervention in the university's legal disputes were highlighted as clear violations. Denno, on his part, was implicated in having too much involvement in the review of the mass shooting on campus last year. Vassar's statement, however, brushed off the criticism, suggesting that the investigation found the most serious allegations unfounded.
Governor Whitmer's office has labeled the investigation's findings as "concerning," with press secretary Stacey LaRouche remarking that the board needs to give the report a thorough review. The board's actions, or lack thereof, following this meeting, may very well chart the course for Michigan State University's near future, as the university community looks on with bated breath.
