Content warning: Mention of sexual abuse and abuser name.
Lansing, Michigan (December 15, 2023) – Following today’s announcement of the Michigan State University (MSU) Board of Trustees unanimous decision to release over 10,000 university documents related to MSU’s investigation into Larry Nassar, The Army of Survivors has issued the following statement:
The Army of Survivors (TAOS) shares our support, care, and concern for the many survivors who were today once again reminded of the sexual abuse they experienced by the now imprisoned and former MSU and USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar and the institutional betrayal by institutions such as MSU. Our organization was founded by a group of more than 40 survivors of sexual abuse who were impacted by Nassar as young athletes.
Present at today’s meeting was Dr. Danielle Moore, TAOS Co-Founder and Board Member, who asked the MSU Board of Trustees during the meeting’s public comment opportunity “to release the documents to show that they are no longer that institution that enabled Nassar.” “MSU has repeatedly inflicted institutional betrayal and trauma by not releasing the records,” said Dr. Moore. “The betrayal and trauma continue and add to the ever-growing negativity…I sincerely do not want the records released for malice or revenge,” she said. “They need to be released for healing.”
Dr. Moore also stated that the board’s decision to “release the documents is a huge step in rebuilding trust in the university. “
Many survivors and advocates initially requested the documents be publicly released over five years ago, but until today, the Board of Trustees cited attorney-client privilege. Earlier this year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel attempted once again to have the documents released, but the Trustees at the time denied her request.
In response to today’s decision, Nessel stated, “We appreciate the opportunity to review these documents and will reopen and expedite our investigation as soon as they are received.”
We extend our deepest concern to all survivors of sexual assault in sport as well as their friends and families. To those survivors who may be struggling today, you are not alone in this journey. You are worthy of justice and healing. TAOS remains committed to our mission to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes.
For resources during this time, please contact info@thearmyofsurvivors.org.
For immediate support contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at: 800-656-4673 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 800-273-8255.
The Army of Survivors’s mission is to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes at all levels. The 501c3 nonprofit supports sexual assault survivors in sport by changing society through resources, advocacy, and education.
