Michigan State University is just one of 233 colleges and universities currently under nationwide Title IX investigations as of January 2017. These investigations range from how universities handle sexual assault investigations to just how many sexual assault cases are currently open at a university. Michigan State University has made major headlines over the past couple of years for its backlog of inactive cases. Many have come forward and have been immediately dismissed while others are still waiting for action to take place.
Some of the recent major headlines have included former MSU Gymnastics team physician Dr. Larry Nassar and yet to be revealed MSU football players who are under investigation for separate sexual assault allegations. While many have come forward to testify against Nassar and his trial is moving forward it is unclear which individuals from the football team are currently under investigation.
One current investigation into a football player broke news late last week. MSU defensive end Auston Robertson (above) was charged with sexual assault on Friday. Upon hearing of the charges Robertson was effectively removed from the football team amid brewing allegations against three other unknown members. Despite all of this as a female Spartan I must provide some commentary on this incredibly frightening time.
In a society that is growing more aware of sexual assault and rapes taking place on or near universities, I find the recent events at Michigan State University alarming. While I would agree that the conversation is becoming more open and much needed there is still a level of secrecy taking place at the administration level.
Despite the investigations taking place the football program decided to go ahead with the scheduled spring football game at the start of this month. While I am all for "chin up and move forward" this certainly seemed tasteless considering what has been transpiring. Many media outlets took the same approach when providing a recap of the event citing the cloud that was hanging over the game.
On top of that, the response from Michigan State has been filled with loaded language and a lack of responsibility or any wrongdoing. The February statement from MSU spokesperson Jason Cody included the line "Sexual violence is abhorrent, and no member of our community should be threatened in this way. " To which I agree with entirely but one that leaves a sour taste in my mouth due to this extensive investigative editorial from the Lansing State Journal that was released late last year.
In the editorial, specific details are outlined concerning Nassar and other rapists accused of sexual assault. The piece includes dialogue directly from the victims who detail the lack of support or understanding from MSU. Testimonials included a lack of action despite overwhelming evidence "“They just didn’t listen. All of these people. All of these people didn’t listen.” Of which one of the victims is a close friend of mine who went through an incredible ordeal only to not be heard or believed.
While Michigan State has certainly proven to be willing to correct their absurd Title IX investigations through email surveys and mandatory video training on sexual assault as a female Spartan I am not convinced yet. Some investigations have followed through and action has taken place while others are still waiting or have given up.
This is not a safe culture for females, or males, that study and live on this campus. As I wrote this article I received an email from Michigan State alerting me to a sexual assault incident that took place just last night. When will it end? When will I feel safe walking around on a campus, at my future workplace, or apartment? Michigan State needs to step up and show the victims of sexual assault that they will absolutely, unequivocally not stand for this behavior. The prosecution needs to take place nad accountability needs to be evident. No more lack of transparency and fancy language.
