The Department of Education announced it is launching a new Title IX investigation into how Michigan State University investigated the Larry Nassar case.
In a press release issued Monday afternoon, Education secretary Betsy DeVos said investigators are on the campus of MSU and more are on the way. The release reads in part:
"This new Title IX investigation will look at systemic issues in the University's handling of sex-based incidents involving Dr. Larry Nassar," said Secretary DeVos. "Our Office for Civil Rights team will be in East Lansing shortly where they will join the Federal Student Aid team already on site. FSA is currently performing a Clery Act compliance examination regarding MSU's reporting of crimes committed on campus.
Nassar was a campus sports doctor who has been sentenced to decades in prison for sexually assaulting gymnasts and other women and girls and for child pornography crimes.
More than 250 women and girls gave statements in court about how Nassar abused them under the guise of medical treatment. He was sentenced to decades in prison.
Former MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon resigned as a result of pressure over how the university handled the Nassar case.
DeVos said Nassar's actions "are unimaginable." She adds, "The bravery shown by the survivors has been remarkable."
DeVos says the university's acting president, John Engler, has ordered the school to cooperate fully with the investigation.
The Michigan Attorney General's office also is investigating Michigan State's handling of Nassar.
