The events that have transpired at Michigan State lately have shook me to my core. You hear about these horrible things happening at universities, but when it happens at yours, you can’t help but feel a disgust for the school you go to.
I first came to Michigan State around the same time Larry Nassar was fired. My roommate, being a journalist, kept me updated on the story. Soon I forgot all about it. That was until I returned to school the following fall.
The story I had forgotten began to unravel quickly. The story I once didn’t know much about was all anyone could talk about. Heinous acts of sexual abuse committed on this campus, by a member of the faculty that young girls were supposed to be able to trust. How could this happen here?
It’s no secret Michigan State has an issue with sexual assault, but this was so much more than that. I couldn’t believe this was happening here, at the school I chose to attend. I’m still shocked and saddened by the events that took place on this campus. I feel for the victims and respect their bravery in coming forward. And it gives me hope in seeing so many students stand up and give their utmost support to these victims.
With the recent events, not only has Michigan State been the target of hateful remarks, but the students have too. Before I continue, I want to make clear that the events that happened on this campus are disgusting and inexcusable, and that every member of faculty involved should be punished. But what I don’t agree with is the shaming that every student here has endured for attending this school since these events transpired.
We didn’t choose for this to happen. We are furious that something so horrible could happen at the place we are supposed to feel safe, and the place we choose to call our home three quarters of the year. But in no way are the students responsible for what happened. We’re as shocked and hurt as everyone else learning about what has happened here over the years. But what does shaming us do? What does it help? We didn’t play a hand in what happened, so why are we made to feel guilty about the school we’ve chosen to attend?
I chose to go to Michigan State because I wanted to get the best education I could. Coming from a small town, I wanted to be apart of something bigger, something exciting. As upset as I am with what happened here, I still love my school. Why am I being shamed for that?
Fans from other schools are quick to bring up the sexual abuse that has happened here to try and tear me and others down, and make me feel as bad as I can for attending Michigan State. I just don’t see how that’s fair. Just the other day one of my friends was told by someone that she shouldn’t be wearing her MSU sweatshirt. What used to be playful banter with others on the MSU v. U of M feud has turned into snarky remarks like, “How’s your rapey school?” These comments aren’t just disrespectful to students here, they’re disrespectful to the victims. To turn their abuse into a way to try and justify whatever college sports team they support is better than MSU is disgusting.
I don’t care if you aren’t a fan of MSU. I don’t care if you’re a U of M fan or an OSU fan. Bringing up the recent sexual abuse scandal that happened here to try and bring us down for attending Michigan State is unfair and wrong. Just like I didn’t think it was fair to shame Stanford students during the Brock Turner scandal, I don’t think it’s fair now. It’s wrong and it’s low. Don’t think for one second that not every student here is angry about what happened. We were all shocked and upset when the story broke, and we still are.
The students at Michigan State are NOT to blame for what happened. You know who is to blame? Larry Nassar. And every single member of the faculty who didn’t do anything to stop what was happening. I’m sick of people trying to make me feel like a bad person for the school I’m attending.
Even though I’m disgusted at the events that have occurred here, I still love Michigan State. I’m still grateful that I’m able to go to school here. I still believe Michigan State is a great school. The actions of those who have done wrong here do not represent the students that go here.
We stand with the victims and want everyone involved to receive the punishments that they deserve. We’re angry and we want change, but we still love our school. Stop shaming us just for the fact that we attend Michigan State.