Michigan State Trustee Sues Board, President

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Michigan State University’s long-running board battle escalated this week when trustee Rema Vassar sued several members and employees for alleged retaliation and discrimination.

In her federal lawsuit, Vassar accused current and former trustees and employees of “a campaign of intentional discrimination and retaliation against her” because she had raised concerns about how the university handled the release of documents related to the Larry Nassar sex abuse case, campus safety concerns and Michigan State’s treatment of Black students. 

Defendants include President Kevin Guskiewicz and several trustees and employees.

As a trustee, Vassar has been a lightning rod for controversy on a board defined by drama. In 2024, an external investigation found that she and fellow trustee Dennis Denno violated ethics rules and “created a fear of retaliation” among employees. Vassar was also found to have taken gifts from a donor, including tickets to a basketball game.

She alleged in her lawsuit that she was not provided due process in that investigation.

Vassar, who was elected to an eight-year term in 2020 and joined the board in 2021, has also clashed publicly with fellow trustees and Guskiewicz over recent changes to the board’s code of conduct. Although he did not name specific individuals, Guskiewicz accused the board in May of pursuing personal grievances and agendas at the expense of the university, in a message to the campus to announce plans to leave for Clemson University. Ultimately, he decided to stay at MSU.

Earlier this year, Michigan State revised its code of ethics and conduct, which restricts speech of individual board members who publicly break with the majority. Vassar and another trustee refused to sign the code, arguing that since they are elected it amounts to an extraordinary gag order on a public official and restricts their First Amendment rights. Both were censured and lost certain privileges granted to trustees.

Vassar has asked the court to find the revised code of ethics and conduct unconstitutional. She has also asked for injunctive relief and both compensatory and punitive damages.

Michigan State did not respond to a request for comment from Inside Higher Ed.