Michigan State University president Lou Anna K. Simon has officially resigned, as first reported by The State News.
MSU president Simon stepping down … https://t.co/0X4udxXzL6
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) January 25, 2018
This comes on the same day former MSU doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced for 40-175 years in prison for sexual abuse.
Simon has come under fire for her role in the case, as many believe Simon had at least some knowledge of these happenings, and kept quiet about it. Her resignation doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as it was reported earlier in the day that she would probably be stepping down. Before all of this got out, many around the university believed that retirement was in her near future.
http://gty.im/94958295
Yesterday, a group of Michigan State students started a protest on campus that demanded Simon step down. Now 70 years old, she has been the president of the university since 2004.
Simon released a statement that can be read on Michigan State’s official website. Here is a small excerpt from her letter.
As tragedies are politicized, blame is inevitable. As president, it is only natural that I am the focus of this anger. I understand, and that is why I have limited my personal statements. Throughout my career, I have worked very hard to put Team MSU first. Throughout my career, I have consistently and persistently spoken and worked on behalf of Team MSU. I have tried to make it not about me. I urge those who have supported my work to understand that I cannot make it about me now. Therefore, I am tendering my resignation as president according to the terms of my employment agreement. -Former MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon
This figures to possibly be the first of many board members to step down following this awful scandal.
