Engler fights to limit the scope of new sexual abuse legislation.
Just when you thought the Fight'n Larry Nassars couldn't stoop any lower, the president of the university decides to fight against legislation designed to help victims of sexual abuse.
Then, when one of the victims criticises this, an MSU spokesperson replies with this little gem: "I think it would be inappropriate for somebody to try to cast an opinion on something they know nothing about."
Rachel Denhollander was the victim he was referring to as "somebody." Although this stament would be tone deaf if Denhollander was a lowly ditch digger/victim of sexual abuse, to add to the stupidity, Denhollander is a lawyer with a background in public policy.
I have now seen it all. I'm amazed that this isn't a larger story right now. The government must have put some sort of a gag order on it?
This has to be the most brazen, shameless behavior I have ever seen from an institute of higher learning. They are no longer even bothering to pretend that they give a shit about anything other than saving money/face. They are actively attacking victims.
Then, when one of the victims criticises this, an MSU spokesperson replies with this little gem:
I think it would be inappropriate for somebody to try to cast an opinion on something they know nothing about.
Rachel Denhollander was the victim he was referring to as "somebody." Although this stament would be tone deaf if Denhollander was a lowly ditch digger/victim of sexual abuse, to add to the stupidity, Denhollander is a lawyer with a background in public policy.
I have now seen it all. I'm amazed that this isn't a larger story right now. The government must have put some sort of a gag order on it?
This has to be the most brazen, shameless, behavior I have ever seen from an institute of higher learning. They are no longer even bothering to pretend that they give a shit about anything other than saving money/face. They are actively attacking victims.
I'm not a very good editor.
March 16th, 2018 at 10:11 AM ^
Engler may have been insensitive in his response to DenHollander's criticism, but her statement about blocking legislation was erroneous. She said that "MSU's president personally tried to kill legislation that would protect children from abuse". He met with legislators about the retroactive civil statute portion of the bill. Any UM prez or lawyer would do the same under the circumstance. Engler is actively pursuing rapid compensation for victims, but in his duty has to consider some fiscal responsibility for the institution he represents. He probably shouldn't have responded to DenHollander at all, but she has a loud voice and a morally superior platform. I think she also has a responsibility to be accurate.
From MLive:
There is a lot that MSU has to answer for and do during Engler's presidency. Operating with an open checkbook would be a reckless representation of MSU and the taxpayers. He took on a thankless job and has to balance responsibility and accountability in ways that won't ever appeal to both sides.
great forum and what a bonus ... they are right down the street.
I'm seeing more posts on the blog suggesting that we stop talking about this. People suggesting it is a "little brother" type thing to do. I disagree. This has nothing to do with fandom. I hate Sparty as much as the next guy, but this goes beyond that.
I doubt there will be any protests. A lot of people seem not to care. It happens everywhere, yada yada. Something very disturbing about the apathy surrounding this.
Great post. Thinking it might get more attention, as it should, if it was a board post instead of a diary entry.
First time poster and watching b-ball. I might motivate and make it a board post... Must have missed the option.
I hope some more people talk about it.
He wasn't up in arms about the mandatory reporting part, he focused on the time limits.
The Catholic League. Wow, you can't make this stuff up.
Changed the title...
March 16th, 2018 at 12:34 AM ^
Retroactive criminal charges are a violation of the US Constitution's prohibition on ex post facto laws.
As an MSU graduate (twice), I cannot adequately elucidate my disgust with my Alma Mater.
I'm waiting for the announcement of a new class starting this fall called "Misogyny 101"?
I think its time to write a letter no one will ever read.
I feel the same way. I just can't believe this. These people are untouchable, but write that letter anyway. I'll do the same. At least it's something.
MSU has not left the news cycle; and will not for some time as lawsuits have to play out, the legislation you described has been a story, and there are multiple investigations that also have to be concluded and corrective actions taken.
No new events to report so it's no longer an MGoBlog news cycle; if you get a disproportionate amount of your news from the blog*, it might seem to be out of the news cycle in general.
*kidding... for the most part
Guilty as charged. I spend way too much time on here, lol. I also live outside the state of Michigan so my perception of coverage - or a lack thereof - might be different than people living in the mitten.
I first heard the news on ESPN this morning. That isn't suprising though, ESPN has been very active in terms of reporting on this shitshow. I just don't hear a lot about it from other sources. I admit though, I'm a sports and food network kinda tv watcher. I do watch my local news every night. Not much has been said out here. People are still rooting for Sparty and kind of brush off the whole rape concealing thing. It is creepy as hell.
After seing the report on ESPN this morning, I tried to google to learn more about it and there was a strange, and I mean noticeably strange, lack of stories about it. I mean, a president of a major public university involved in the worst sexual abuse scandal in history and the Catholic League - I shit you not - actively lobbied against sexual assault legislation. Think about that. I was expecting 3000 hits on my query, but I only got a couple. Maybe that has changed now. Maybe I need a tinfoil hat. I dunno...
March 15th, 2018 at 10:25 PM ^
Apologies for not doing so. I was multi tasking.
I meant to say, if you get a disproportionate amount of your news from the blog, as I do... the comment was not meant to take a potshot at you OP. More of a potshot at me!
March 16th, 2018 at 12:45 AM ^
Thanks for posting this. On East Coast: No mention of MSU and less and less mention of Nassar / USA Gymnastics.
March 16th, 2018 at 12:45 AM ^
Thanks for posting this. On East Coast: No mention of MSU and less and less mention of Nassar / USA Gymnastics.
Cover up.