*Content warning: Mention of sexual abuse and abuser name.*
Lansing, Michigan (September 12, 2024) – Following Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s decision yesterday to release over 6,000 university documents related to MSU’s investigation into Larry Nassar to the public and to close her office’s investigation, 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 Michigan State University (MSU) and USA Gymnastics physician Larry Nassar and the institutional betrayal by institutions such as MSU. Our organization was founded by a courageous group of over 40 survivors of sexual abuse, all of whom were affected as young athletes by Nassar’s actions.
As previously reported in December 2023, MSU’s Board of Trustees finally agreed to release documents that had been sought by survivors and advocates for over six and a half years, despite falsely citing attorney-client privilege. This long-awaited release has again subjected TAOS Founders to the painful process of re-traumatization often associated with the recycling of their cases in the media. In fact, the potential for re-traumatization is a reality for the over 500 sister survivors that are forced to be reminded of MSU and Nassar’s abuse and its impact whenever a new development surfaces. TAOS recognizes this and is committed to educating the media and the public on trauma and it’s impacts, no matter how much time has passed since an incidence of sexual abuse has occurred.
“The public release of the documents represents the hard work of survivors, advocates, parents, and the attorney general’s office, and provides a sense of closure. I appreciate those seeking justice and closure through this process, and acknowledge those who may feel traumatized by the ongoing undertaking to obtain these documents.” said Grace French, Founder and President of The Army of Survivors.
After the review of the documents, Nessel unexpectedly found no new, relevant, information that could offer any new insight into MSU’s handling of Nassar’s abuse or who knew what about it and when. As a result she has closed the investigation.
In a five-page report Nessel stated, “While this closure is in keeping with the parameters of our investigatory duties, we recognize that it does not provide the type of closure sought by the survivors of Nassar’s abuse. There is still no fulfilling answer to the question of how Nassar was able to perpetrate his abuse on so many, for so long—without MSU or anyone else putting a stop to it.”
Dr. Danielle Moore, Founder and Vice President of The Army of Survivors stated, “Once again, myself and others have been hurt by MSU—not simply because of the disappointing lack of information from the documents, but because of how MSU misused their power by wrongly labeling documents as privileged. For many years, survivors and our allies have fought tirelessly for answers, believing the truth lay within these so-called privileged documents. MSU should have been transparent from the start, sparing survivors from further unnecessary trauma. My hope is that one day MSU will understand that their actions—or inaction—can cause profound harm and that adopting trauma-informed practices is essential when working with survivors.”
Nessel plans to release all of the documents to the public and with redactions that protect the anonymity of survivors.
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’ 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.
