Michigan State interim president resigns

Interim Michigan State University President John Engler will resign immediately following disparaging remarks he made about Larry Nassar’s sexual assault victims, the school’s Board of Trustees said Thursday. Nassar was a doctor who worked at the university and was convicted of abusing competitive gymnasts and sentenced to 40 years in prison. Last week, Engler told The Detroit News that Nassar’s victims were in the “spotlight” and were “still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition.” In April 2018, he suggested Rachael Denhollander, the first woman to publicly accuse Nassar, was getting a “kickback” from her attorney. Engler, the former governor of Michigan, submitted his resignation Wednesday and initially said he would step down next week.

Michigan State’s leadership brought in Engler to help the university recover after former President Lou Anna Simon resigned last year over accusations of mishandling the Nassar abuse scandal. The board appointed the school’s executive vice president for administration, Satish Udpa, as the new interim president.