Michigan State University board chair responds to allegations against her
(CBS DETROIT) - Michigan State University Board Chair Rema Vassar is responding to mounting scrutiny as allegations of bullying and interference with university investigations emerge, prompting calls for her removal.
The allegations against Vassar, detailed in a seven-page letter penned by MSU Trustee Brianna Scott, include a range of claims. One claim is that Vassar may have been involved in leaking the name of Brenda Tracy, the woman who accused former MSU football coach Mel Tucker of sexual harassment. Vassar denies any involvement.
"That would be very difficult for me to believe that a trustee would leak her name. At no time was the board given her name," she said.
Scott also asserts that Vassar is obstructing the investigation into the leak by refusing to provide investigators with access to her cellphone records. In response, Vassar said that she would turn over her phone records if all board members agreed to do the same.
"The board decided that they would give their phones collectively. If everyone decided to give their phones, the board would do it all together. And that hasn't happened yet."
Vassar also denies claims she bullied interim MSU President Teresa Woodruff. She said she hopes that the board can redirect its focus toward addressing the numerous pressing issues confronting the university.
"The presidential search is one task that's already monumental. It's the biggest responsibility of the board. Then we have a whole football coach, and we have antisemitic messaging on our jumbotron and Black students experiencing racism. We have a lot to do."
Vassar has made it clear that she remains committed to her position and has no plans to resign. Meanwhile, Michigan State University has announced that they will be launching an investigation into all the claims made against her.
