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Michigan State fined $4.5 million for handling of Larry Nassar complaints

Larry Nassar.
Larry Nassar. Photo: Rena Laverty/AFP/Getty Images

The Department of Education will fine Michigan State University $4.5 million for mishandling complaints against former school doctor Larry Nassar, who is facing 40–175 years in prison for sexually abusing athletes in his care and having child pornography, per AP.

The big picture: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos says the school allowed the creation of a "sexually hostile environment" by failing to properly address reports of sexual assault by Nassar, who also worked for USA Gymnastics.

By the numbers:

  • Per the Detroit News, at least 14 university representatives knew of reports against Nassar in the 2 decades before his arrest. No fewer than 8 women reported Nassar's actions, per the investigation.
  • Michigan State also reached a settlement deal last year, granting $500 million to be divided among Nassar's accusers.

What she's saying:

"Too many people in power knew about the behaviors and the complaints and yet the predators continued on the payroll and abused even more students."
— Betsy DeVos

DeVos also said the school has agreed to improve its reporting procedures.

Go deeper: Global #MeToo movement has resulted in 6 convictions, 6 charges

Sexual misconduct