Details of a proposed settlement between Michigan State University and survivors of Larry Nassar have come to light. Nassar is the former MSU sports doctor who will likely spend the rest of his life in prison for sexually assaulting his patients.
A condition of the settlement has upset some state lawmakers.
More than 300 survivors of Larry Nassar would receive about a half a billion dollars if the settlement goes through.
But whether the deal lives or dies turns, in part, on bills in the state Legislature. One of those would get rid of governmental immunity in cases of sexual assault. If that bill were to pass, the deal would be off.
Lawyers for MSU say the university wasn’t telling lawmakers what to do. However, Senator Curtis Hertel calls the condition an unprecedented way to influence legislation. He says, quote – “It is unconscionable that an outside institution would demand legislative inaction on a bill to protect survivors be part of settlement discussions.”
Hertel says the state House and Senate should hold hearings on the issue.