Michigan State University Board of Trustees Chair Rema Vassar made it clear Tuesday afternoon she has no plans to resign.
This comes after Trustee Brianna Scott sent a letter to the board over the weekend, requesting Vassar step down. Scott accused Vassar of improper conduct and overstepping her authority.
Vassar is calling the allegations baseless.
“I didn’t think that this kind of old-school way of ruthlessly taking down volunteers would be something I would encounter,” said Vassar.
One of the claims in Scott’s letter is Vassar may have leaked the name of Brenda Tracy to two former trustees surrounding the Mel Tucker sexual misconduct investigation.
“The idea that I would leak a survivor’s name is completely antithetical to who I am,” Vassar said.
Scott also accused Vassar of bullying Michigan State University Interim President Teresa Woodruff and usurping her authority.
In a statement Monday (Oct. 23), Woodruff described fulfilling her responsibilities as challenging at times but did not directly mention Vassar.
Vassar said she’s no bully.
“I don’t think that women who are assertive and confident, who are self-assured, who asked tough questions, I do ask questions, should be labeled anything other than good leaders,” Vassar said.
Trustee Dan Kelly, the Audit, Risk, and Compliance Chair, said in a statement:
“The University’s Office of Audit, Risk, and Compliance will examine these allegations and provide an update to the ARC Chair. The University’s General Counsel’s Office initiated this review this morning. Following the completion of the review, any recommendations will be shared with the full Board, who I am confident will take the appropriate action in a fair and unbiased manner.”
The MSU Board of Trustees has its next meeting on Friday, where this matter could be discussed.