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“Pics of your dress are required ... Discreetly of course” After sexual harassment from director of Spartan Marching Band, student does not return to campus
An investigation into sexual harassment by Spartan Marching Band director John T. Madden with the Office of Institutional Equity began on February 29, 2016. It was determined Madden’s conduct toward the student was unwelcome behavior of sexual nature. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO.
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An inside look at the Office of Institutional Equity and its process BY MADISON O’CONNOR MOCONNOR@STATENEWS.COM
The Office of Institutional Equity at MSU was created almost two years ago, but students might still be unfamiliar with the office and how it works. The office was created in April 2015 as a way to review discrimination, harassment, sexual assault, relationship violence and stalking concerns. It investigates cases that occur on MSU’s campus to look at them in terms of university policy. “Some MSU community members think when relationship violence or sexual misconduct or stalking or anything that could be perceived as a crime is happening, that if they have the police involved, that that’s all there is for them,” Debra Martinez, a senior institutional equity investigator for the OIE, said. “You can also come to OIE and have our office address it from the university side.” While every institution is required by federal law to have an office on campus that responds to discrimination and harassment, not every university or college’s Title IX office operates in the same way. The OIE does work with the university. The office holds independent investigations, Jessica Norris, OIE Title IX Coordinator and ADA Coordinator said. She said the OIE is not a separate agency or a representative from the government. “We are an entity here at MSU’s campus, but specifically, we report directly to the president, so there’s no sort of influence in what we’re doing,” OIE Director Ande Durojaiye said. “We essentially can investigate anything and anyone on campus that falls within our jurisdiction, and no one would be able to interfere with that, so to speak ... We’re Michigan State employees but we’re independent in our investigatory capacity.” Durojaiye said. Members of the university community could end up at the OIE in a number of different ways, but it always starts with a complaint. It could be a self-report, a walk-in, a phone call or a bystander that reports a claim. The information could also reach the OIE through a mandatory reporter on campus. At MSU, a mandatory reporter is any university employee — with a few exceptions such as employees in the MSU Safe Place and the Counseling Center among others — who is required to report any alleged sexual misconduct or relationship violence to the OIE upon obtaining the information, according to the OIE website. After a complaint is made to the OIE, an investigator is assigned to the claim. The investigator will reach out to the claimant to discuss the allegations, to determine whether the claimant wants to pursue the case and to plan the next steps. If a case is to be pursued, the investigator will reach out to the person whose actions are questionable to discuss his or her side of the story. Witness statements are also a way for the OIE investigator to get more information about an alleged incident.
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“We look at all other outside evidence that’s available, so anything that’s available to the parties want to come forward and bring to us, we take into account when conducting an investigation,” Durojaiye said. These witnesses can be anyone who might have seen or heard something, who has firsthand knowledge of what happened or people who heard about or were told about an incident soon after it happened, Martinez said. The investigative process is very open for the individuals involved, Durojaiye said. He said there is never a situation when the parties are not aware or made aware of what’s going on within the case under investigation. “The process is extremely transparent for the individuals involved in it,” Durojaiye said. “Any information we have that we compile as part of our investigation is turned over to the parties. … Individuals who are participating in the process are kept informed and kept aware of what’s going on.” However, because of confidentiality purposes, the process cannot be transparent to the point where witnesses or third parties can see what information has been provided to the investigator. “For example, witnesses aren’t going to know what’s been presented in the case and our office, due to federal privacy regulations and laws, we can’t share details of the cases, for example, with the media or with other faculty, staff or students,” Norris said. At the conclusion of gathering information, a “draft report” with all of the information provided during the course of an investigation is documented and included in the report, Durojaiye said. “This draft is sent out to the parties so they can know exactly what we’ve done and what steps we’ve taken and if there’s any additional feedback or anything they want us to take into account before making a final determination,” he said. After this, the OIE must make a final determination about whether or not there was a violation in university policy. If a violation in policy is found, the OIE issues their report to the governing body that would have jurisdiction to take disciplinary action. The disciplinary decision is out of the OIE’s hands as
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oie flow chart A complaint is made to the OIE. The complaint could come in a number of different ways. A claim could come from a selfreport, a walk-in, a phone call, a bystander or a mandatory reporter.
After gathering all known information on a case, a draft report is created. This report details all of the information found during the investigation and is sent to both the claimant and the respondent involved. Both parties can provide additional information or commentary if they see fit.
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After a complaint is made to the OIE, the complaint is assigned to an investigator. This investigator will reach out to the claimant to discuss the allegations to determine whether the claimant wants to pursue a case and to plan next steps.
If the claimant wants to pursue the case, the investigator will reach out to the respondent (if applicable) and witnesses to gather more information on the case and to understand more sides to the story.
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they do not make legal settlements and it is not a part of their process, Norris said. In the case of a student matter, the report would be referred to Student Conduct. If it’s an employee matter, it would be referred to Academic Human Relations, Durojaiye said. For students, the disciplinary decision falls to a panel comprised of one staff member, one faculty member and one student, Norris said. The panel reviews the report and recommends a sanction. According to MSU’s Faculty Handbook, there are two types of discipline for faculty and staff: minor and serious. Minor discipline could include verbal or written reprimand, mandatory training, foregoing salary increase or reassigning of duties among others. Serious discipline could include suspension with or without pay and if attempts at discipline have not remedied performance concerns, a faculty member may be dismissed. In the case of minor discipline, after the employee in question meets with the unit administrator to discuss potential discipline to be assigned, the faculty member has the right to request a consultation with the department or school faculty advisory committee, its chair or the chair of the University Committee on Faculty Affairs, or UCFA, personnel subcommittee before any disciplinary action is taken, according to the Faculty Handbook. This is an attempt to reconcile disputes and resolve misunderstandings. If the unit administrator wants to proceed with a minor disciplinary action after the consultation, they are required to consult with the Dean and the Office of the Associate Provost to discuss the proposed action. The unit administrator then will make a determination of discipline, a process that varies depending on whether it is a minor or serious disciplinary decision. As for determining serious disciplinary action for faculty and staff, after the unit administrator meets with the employee in question, both the faculty member and the administrator are encouraged to meet with the chair of UCFA, to discuss the matter.
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The OIE then makes a final determination of whether or not university policy has been violated. If a violation has been found, the OIE sends the report to the governing body that would have jurisdiction to take disciplinary action. For students, the report is referred to Student Conduct. For university employees, the report would be referred to Academic Human Relations.
The disciplinary decision is out of the OIE’s hands and the OIE ends its involvement in the case.
Contents
Cameron Macko Managing editor cmacko@statenews.com
ONLINE
Spartan Sierra Club seeks MSU’s support
MSU men’s hockey up and downs
Group seeks to preserve Mich. wine
The environmental club is seeking signatures against an oil pipeline in the Great Lakes
The team lost against U-M on Friday in a shootout then came back to claim a victory on Saturday
Michigan Wine Collaborative seeks to enhance Michigan wine industry, increase sustainability
BY T H E N U M B E R S
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Number of points freshman forward Nick Ward scored against Iowa on Saturday See page 10
“Students should always come first. She was made completely vulnerable by someone who she trusted and who was in a position of power over her.” Stephanie, Friend of student sexually harassed by Spartan Marching Band director John T. Madden PAGES 6 - 8
New charges against Nassar in last week BY BRIGID KENNEDY BKENNEDY@STATENEWS.COM
In the past week, new charges have been brought against former MSU employee Larry Nassar, and new plaintiffs might to be added to the lawsuit against him. Between Feb. 6 and Feb. 10, five motions were filed in Grand Rapids with the aim of adding eight additional plaintiffs to Denhollander et al vs. Michigan State University et al. If all current motions are granted, the lawsuit will have 41 plaintiffs. All but one of the new potential plaintiffs were minors at the time they were allegedly sexually abused by Nassar. Multiple plaintiffs reported quitting gymnastics because of their interactions with Nassar. A motion filed on Friday alleges that a plaintiff identified as Jane H.H. Doe was sexually abused by Nassar “on approximately 40 occasions” while she was a high school cheerleader. A superseding indictment was filed on Feb. 7
in a separate lawsuit in which Nassar is charged with destroying digital images and documents related to an investigation into his alleged sexual abuse of patients and possession of child pornography. Nassar allegedly had a third-party vendor delete the contents of a hard drive on a laptop computer and attempted to throw away multiple external hard drives, according to the indictment. Nassar is also charged with knowingly receiving and possessing child pornography, including images of a minor younger than 12 years old.
Motions were filed to add eight more plaintiffs to ongoing lawsuit against Dr. Larry Nassar, which would bring the total to 41 plaintiffs.
Desmond Jones performs a song during Bands in the Ballroom on Feb. 9 at the Union. Three bands native to Michigan played in the show – Flint Eastwood, a group from Detroit, Desmond Jones from Grand Rapids and East Lansing band The War Balloons, who opened up the show, all performed. PHOTO: JON FAMUREWA
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Spartan Basketball 77 66 FINAL SCORE FEB. 11
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IOWA 8 TURNOVERS Freshman forward Miles Bridges (22) dunks the ball during the second half of men’s basketball game against University of Iowa on Feb. 11 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 77-66. PHOTO: SUNDEEP DHANJAL
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LEFT: Junior guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. (11) and freshman forward Miles Bridges (22) talk during the first half of men’s basketball game against University of Iowa on Feb. 11 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 77-66. RIGHT: Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. shoots the ball as he is defended by Iowa forward Nicholas Baer during the second half of men’s basketball game against University of Iowa on Feb. 11 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 77-66. PHOTOS: SUNDEEP DHANJAL
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Spotlight
Cameron Macko Managing editor feedback@statenews.com
Madden’s behavior found unwelcomed, of sexual nature, MSU OIE report says BY JAKE ALLEN AND RACHEL FRADETTE FEEDBACK@STATENEW.COM
Editor’s note: This story contains information from documents that were given to The State News by a victim of sexual harassment. The name of the victim and names of those in relation to victim have been altered for privacy reasons. The student who was harassed by John T. Madden wishes to remain anonymous. “Pics of your dress are required … Discreetly of course,” John T. Madden, the director of the Spartan Marching Band, wrote in a text message to an MSU student on Feb. 20, 2016 at about 10:42 p.m. This information was found in documents obtained by The State News. The documents were given to The State News from a victim of sexual harassment. The student was a female member of the Spartan Marching Band, which Madden has directed for 27 years. He was asking for photos of her dress she wore to the annual Spartan Marching Band end of the year band banquet, called Huddle. According to the documents, Madden and the
student maintained contact via text message because of her position in the band, but the “discreetly” text wasn’t the first time Madden contacted the student with something she considered “more personal.” It happened first on Nov. 10, 2015 at about 9:28 p.m. when he said, “When the season ends ... We’re going ice skating! I’m an old hockey player!” and once more on Dec. 1, 2015 at about 8:07 p.m. when he asked, “Did I see you wearing Converse all-star high tops yesterday?” In a following text at 10:13 p.m., Madden told the student “You look good in them!” regarding the shoes. The student thought “it was odd that it seemed he wanted to do something personal with her or was trying to connect on that level” after the ice skating and shoe texts were sent in late 2015, according to the documents. But for the student, the conversation on Feb. 20, 2016 would only get more uncomfortable. She tried to “play it off” and sent a group picture of herself and other members of the band to Madden after his request for the photo of her dress, according to the documents. She was “thinking of her job and position in the band and
didn’t know how to respond,” the documents say. Madden responded to the group photo via text message with “Blingy dress!! A+ I’m a fan. Yes ... Will be a good year,” according to the documents. Madden missed the Huddle for the first time in 27 years, according to the documents. He was in Ohio guest conducting. After the “blingy dress” text, Madden confessed to the student he had been drinking and owed her an apology. “Just finished my conducting gig ... Having a couple beers at a local bar ... Sorry for being a creepy texter,” Madden sent to the student, according to the documents. After the incident, the student “couldn’t sleep or eat for an entire week and felt ‘creeped out,’” according to the documents. She was afraid of seeing Madden if she walked by the music building and all she wanted to do was “forget about it and not speak of it again.” One week later Madden asked the student to call him. According to the documents, she felt she had to “due to his position.” Madden told the student it was inappropriate for him to ask her for photos or tell her he was drinking. He also brought up his wife and said “I’m working through some things right now,” according to the documents. After the phone call, the student said the situation was “pretty messed up,” according to the documents. The student previously trusted Madden and felt he was a hypocrite after the incident. The student needed “counseling and was going to the counseling center,” according to the documents. The student also said in the documents she had to “tell somebody about what happened ‘so it didn’t happen to anyone else.’” According to an investigative report, dated April 28, 2016 and written by Debra Martinez, a senior investigator in MSU’s Office of Institutional Equity, Madden said he felt bad about the situation because he is supposed to be a “role model.” According to the investigative report, Madden was also receiving counseling regarding the difficulty of being put on a pedestal by students. The report also states Madden asked to sit down with the student for mediation to “assure
her that my dependability still exists.” Madden told the investigator he “would like to process this with” the student, to which he was told that “would not be appropriate or possible,” according to the investigative report written by Martinez. The incident was originally brought forward by the student on Feb. 29, 2016. According to the documents, the student said reporting the incident was “the hardest thing to do.” Stephanie, a senior at MSU whose name has been changed for privacy reasons and to protect the anonymity of the student sexually harassed by Madden, said she met the student and they became friends when she was a freshman at MSU. Stephanie said the student came to her for advice when she was filing her report with the Office of Institutional Equity. “She was really stressed out and really scared,” Stephanie said. “It was her dream to be in that marching band and she finally made it and then this is what had happened.” Stephanie said Madden was playing with a power dynamic. He had the power over her and he abused it, Stephanie said. According to an email sent from MSU’s Dean of the College of Music Jim Forger to Jayne Schuiteman, a senior institutional equity investigator for MSU, the student harassed by Madden visited Assistant Director of Bands David Thornton and was “crying and visibly upset.” The email obtained is part of the documents and states the student reported the text message exchange from the night of Huddle to Thornton as well as the following phone call Madden made to apologize. The email also states Thornton told the student she did the right thing in reporting the matter and he would be required to report what she shared with him. According to the investigative report written by Martinez, “the personal request and nature of the language used by Respondent (Madden) evidences an authoritative position and behavior of sexual or intimate contact. If Respondent (Madden) requested photographs due to sentiment over missing the event as he suggests, there is no need for anything to be sent ‘discreetly.’” STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
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Spotlight TIMELINE
Cameron Macko Managing editor feedback@statenews.com
Dec. 1, 2015 Madden sends multiple texts to the student. The first one says “Did I see you wearing Converse All-Star high tops yesterday?” The student responded and Madden texted back and said, “You look good in them!”
John T. Madden sexual harassment events
Feb. 27, 2016 Madden texts the student again, this time asking her to call him at his office. During the phone call, Madden said it was inappropriate for him to send the text messages, He also talked about his wife and said “I’m working through some things right now.” Apr. 28, 2016 OIE report written by a senior investigator is dated April 28
Feb. 19, 2016 SMB End of Season Huddle
NOV
DEC
JAN
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Nov. 10, 2015 SMB director John T Madden texts the student’s personal cell phone. The text says “When the season ends ... we’re going ice skating! I’m an old hockey player!”
TEXTS FROM MADDEN
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May 22, 2016 Forger sends Madden letter regarding disciplinary action.
MAY
Feb. 29, 2016 The Student comes forward with the incident Feb. 20, 2016 The day after Huddle, Madden texts the student again. The first text he sent said “Pics of your dress are required ... Discreetly of course.” The student sent Madden a group photo because she wanted to “play it off.” Madden then responded with “Blingy dress!! A+ I’m a fan. Yes ... Will be a good year.” He then sent another text that said “Just finished a conducting gig ... Having a couple beers at a local bar ... Sorry for being a creepy texter.”
Any staff members there?
Pics of your dress are required ... Discreetly of course
I’m sure everyone was lovely!
Just finished my conducting gig ... Having a couple of beers at a local bar ... Sorry for being a creepy texter
An investigation into sexual harassment by Spartan Marching Band director John T. Madden with the Office of Institutional Equity began on February 29, 2016. It was determined Madden’s conduct toward the student was unwelcome behavior of sexual nature. STATE NEWS FILE PHOTO
Bottom message: An image of a text message Spartan Marching Band Director John T. Madden sent to a student on Feb. 20, 2016. The image was obtained from documents given to The State News by the victim of Madden’s sexual harassment.
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Top three messages: An image of some the text messages Spartan Marching Band Director John T. Madden sent to a student on Feb. 20, 2016. The image was obtained from documents given to The State News by the victim of Madden’s sexual harassment.
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Spotlight
Cameron Macko Managing editor feedback@statenews.com
After sexual harassment from band director, MSU student does not return to campus
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This story is continued from pages 6 and 7. It was determined Madden’s conduct toward the student was unwelcome behavior of sexual nature, according to the investigative report. The investigative report written by Martinez also states, “The plain meaning of the text message is apparent and reasonably made a significant impact upon a young undergraduate student who was in a subordinate position to his authority. Claimant (student) needed her job and placed great importance upon being part of the marching band.” It was further found Madden’s conduct altered the terms and conditions of the student’s work and/or education experience and/or unreasonably interfered with her performance in an activity, the marching band. According to the investigative report, the Office of Institutional Equity concluded its report and referred further action “as warranted” to Academic Human Resources. In a letter dated May 22, 2016, Forger reminded Madden of the findings from the Office of Institutional Equity then told Madden “the actions you took in this matter were unfortunate, disappointing, and unacceptable. Your conduct in this case represents a serious lapse of judgment in what has otherwise been a long-time positive and productive career at MSU. Your actions, considering your position, stature, and leadership at this institution have been determined to be ‘severe.’” Forger told Madden the disciplinary actions that were going to be imposed included: a one week suspension from May 27 to June 3, 2016, where Madden was not allowed to be on campus or represent MSU in any capacity, a delay of his promotion to a full-time professor until Oct. 1, 2016 and a ban from the 2017 Huddle. “John Madden, director of the MSU Spartan Marching Band, was suspended without pay May 27, 2016, to June 3, 2016, among other personnel actions,” MSU spokesperson Jason Cody said in a statement regarding Madden. “The suspension came after an investigation by MSU’s Office of Institutional Equity into improper conduct the prior semester. While MSU does not discuss specific personnel actions or investigations, the Office of Institutional Equity’s investigation found Madden violated the Relationship Violence & Sexual Misconduct Policy. In addition to the personnel actions imposed, the university will continue its ongoing work with the Spartan Marching Band to ensure it provides a learning environment free from harassment.” The suspension applied to the CBDNA National Athletic Band Directors’ Conference, according to the letter. The dates of the suspension included a university holiday, Memorial Day. The university was closed for part of Madden’s suspension on May 30, 2016, according to the academic calendar. The letter also said the student would be allowed to retain her position with the band in which she worked closely with Madden, but Madden would no longer supervise her position and “no retaliation (would) be tolerated.” Forger also told Madden in the letter that during the fall 2016 preseason training in August, Schuiteman would address the full band about “issues of sexual harassment and good/bad traditions.” Schuiteman was also going to address the band’s leadership separately. Madden was not allowed to be present for those discussions, the letter said. According to an email sent from MSU’s Title IX Coordinator Jessica Norris to Cody, there was a gathering in which “Madden became emotional during his statement and left the room immediately after.” The gathering also included comments from Forger “reiterating the expectations for an environment free of harassment and discrimination.” Norris also gave a planned report during the gathering, according the email. The email obtained is part of the documents obtained by The State News. In addition, a statement in which it says “I am committed to my work with all of you as the Director of the Spartan Marching Band” is a part of the documents obtained by The State News. The statement says, “I had some text message exchanges with a member of the band. I exercised poor judgment and made a mistake doing so and I regret my actions.” The letter from Forger to Madden outlining discipline also said Schuiteman worked with the Spartan March-
ing Band for the 2016 season and will continue to work with them to “assess the climate.” The letter ended with a warning that if Madden is to be part of “any unwelcome actions of a sexual nature or other serious lapses in judgment,” his employment through MSU could be in jeopardy. The letter was placed in Madden’s personnel file. A letter from Attorney Philip E. Cook, dated August 15, 2016, was sent to Theodore H. Curry II, MSU’s associate provost and associate vice president for academic human resources. The attorney was representing the student Madden sexually harassed and wrote to “object to the ‘discipline’ imposed upon Spartan Marching Band Director John Madden for his sexual harassment.” According to the letter, the student decided not to return to campus. “After much thought, reflecting upon the extreme discomfort she experienced whenever encountering Madden (or even on-campus reminders about Band), she will not return to the East Lansing campus,” the letter states. It notes the student would be finishing her degree online. The letter says Forger attempted to make Madden’s punishment seem “significant and appropriate,” but says the university did little more to Madden than the following: “Take one unpaid week of vacation, wait 3 months and we will promote you as planned, and skip a Band party next year.” Stephanie agreed with the student’s lawyer and said the punishment Madden received was minimal. “Students should always come first,” Stephanie said. “She was made completely vulnerable by someone who she trusted and who was in a position of power over her.” A letter from Robert Kent, an assistant general counsel at MSU, that was dated August 30, 2016, was sent in response to the one from the student’s lawyer. Kent’s letter said the university remains committed to providing support for the student and continues to hold a place for her as a part of the Spartan Marching Band. The letter also listed support services the student would have available, such as “counseling” and “academic/extracurricular accommodations.” The option to reach out to MSU’s Title IX Coordinator for support was also listed as an option for the student. The letter from Kent concludes with the fact that if the student wishes to hold onto her special position with the Spartan Marching Band, she needed to let the university know on or before September 13, 2016. Stephanie said she knew the pain her friend went through during the harassment and through the entire process. “Despair is really the only word I had for it,” Stephanie said. “To work for something for so long and finally make it and then have it blow up in your face in such a way.” As of Feb. 9 at 3 p.m., Madden responded via email to a request for comment. Madden said “thanks for the chance to respond” and attached his address he made to the entire Spartan Marching Band on August 31, 2016. The full address is attached at the bottom of the story at statenews.com. State News reporters Brigid Kennedy and Marie Weidmayer contributed research to this report. To follow along with more Madden coverage, stay with The State News and subscribe to our daily newsletter.
“THE PLAIN MEANING OF THE TEXT MESSAGE IS APPARENT AND REASONABLY MADE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT UPON A YOUNG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT WHO WAS IN A SUBORDINATE POSITION TO HIS AUTHORITY.” - Investigative report from MSU’s Office of Institutional Equity
News
Rachel Fradette Campus editor campus@statenews.com
Editorial: Controversies, crimes at MSU should not be met with silence BY THE STATE NEWS EDITORIAL BOARD FEEDBACK@STATENEWS.COM
MSU has no right to be quiet about issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault, nor should MSU sit back and allow these issues to boil over until the administration is forced to address them. Last week, two major stories of sexual harassment and sexual assault broke. Spartan Marching Band, or SMB, Director John T. Madden sexually harassed a member of SMB and made her uncomfortable to the point where she was unable to return to campus — she is finishing her degree online. His conduct toward the student was found unwelcome behavior of sexual nature. Four hours after The State News published the Madden article, news broke that three members of the MSU football team and a staff member are under investigation for sexual assault by a Title IX consultant for the Office of Institutional Equity. Sexual harassment and sexual assault are long-standing problems on campus. MSU must start addressing these issues from their beginnings. MSU must start taking initiative to become more transparent. MSU needs to start playing offensively instead of defensively. MSU spokesperson Jason Cody sent a statement to other university officials regarding Madden’s sexual harassment in October 2016 in anticipation that the story would soon surface, according to documents obtained by The State News. Yet, MSU did not send out a press release about the Madden incident as they did for the sexual assault investigation involving members of the football team. When Cody was asked for comment before The State News published the Madden article, he sent us the statement found in documents dated October 2016. That is not acting offensively. MSU should have been proactive in bringing a sexual harassment case concerning a public figure to light. Instead, the university waited until The State News pressed them to release a statement. On Aug. 31, 2016, Madden addressed the SMB and told them he exchanged text messages with a student, which showed “poor judgment.” Members of the band were was not informed that their leader, and role model to most, had been found by OIE, to have sexually harassed one of their own. Transparency is an important part of being a public institu-
tion. By not specifically telling SMB that its director of 27 years had sexually harassed a SMB member MSU, with knowledge or not, chose a side. MSU, this is a failure. As a public institution, MSU should be forthcoming, but since the Madden article was published, a State News reporter has not been allowed to talk to any personnel in MSU’s Academic Human Resources department. In an email, Cody repeatedly refused the reporter access to these officials. MSU, this is yet another failure. Transparency is when members of a public institution, like MSU, are willing to talk to the media, even when their reputation might be damaged. One of the reasons the media exists is to hold public institutions accountable. The State News cannot hold MSU accountable if we are not given access to staff and faculty. MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon has remained silent about Madden and the sexual assault investigation. Students and members of the MSU community deserve to have the administration and our president acknowledge a problem when it persists. When our university remains silent on issues of sexual harassment and sexual assault, it shows us it is again acting only in the defense of the brand. More cases of sexual harassment and sexual assault will continue to come out and MSU cannot keep responding the way it currently does. The State News calls the university’s willingness to be open into question. While a blanket statement can’t be made, MSU is not transparent in every capacity. And for what purpose? MSU is quick to talk about its compliance with procedures and is even quicker to talk about its achievements as a public university. But is it worth keeping the truth about incidents on campus ambiguous just to preserve its good name? If the university was truly compliant with procedures and acted in an unconcealed way, the administration would have no problem addressing incidents concerning public figures from the start. There would be no problem with reporters talking to MSU’s Academic Human Resources department. And there would be
no problem with informing the MSU community about how OIE handled the sexual harassment case concerning Madden. The fact that there are problems suggests MSU’s current level of transparency is just not enough. Community members simply cannot allow MSU to continue this way. In addition to our concerns with MSU’s transparency, we call into question the amount of information the university keeps unseen from the members of the MSU community and the media. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The only way to find answers is to keep pushing for the university’s openness. The State News will continue to push for the truth and our staff urges members of the MSU community to do the same. This is not the end of the university’s combative stance on truth seekers. This is just the beginning. The State News Editorial Board is made up of the Editor-inchief Jake Allen, Managing Editor Cameron Macko, Campus Editor Rachel Fradette, City Editor Stephen Olschanski, Sports Editor Souichi Terada, Features Editor McKenna Ross, Copy Chief Casey Holland, Staff Representative Marie Weidmayer and Diversity Representative Madison O’Connor. Jake Allen, Rachel Fradette and Casey Holland did not sit in on this editorial.
“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. The only way to find answers is to keep pushing for the university’s openness. The State News will continue to push for the truth and our staff urges members of the MSU community to do the same.” - The State News Editorial Board
Three MSU football players and staff member suspended pending sexual assault investigation BY SOUICHI TERADA STERADA@STATENEWS.COM
Three MSU student-athletes and one staff member part of the MSU football program have been suspended pending a sexual assault investigation, according to a statement from the university. A statement from MSU spokesperson Jason Cody said the university will also be retaining an external law firm to “conduct a thorough and independent investigation into football program staff members’ compliance with university policy in connection with the allegations.” The three student-athletes involved have been suspended from team activities and removed from on-campus housing, pending the investigations. The university will also be conducting a Title IX investigation of the sexual assault allegations. “My expectation of all members of the department is full
and complete cooperation with all investigations,” MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said in a statement. Stay with The State News for further updates regarding the sexual assault investigations.
“My expectation of all members of the department is full and complete cooperation with all investigations.” Mark Hollis, MSU Athletic Director
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Sports
Souichi Terada Sports editor sports@statenews.com
Freshman forward Nick Ward chips in 14 points following trip to bench BY CASEY HARRISON CHARRISON@STATENEWS.COM
It’s not just a new haircut for freshman forward Nick Ward — it’s the turning of a new leaf. Ward came to the court in MSU’s (15-10, 7-5 Big Ten) win over the University of Iowa (14-12, 6-7 Big Ten) with a renewed mindset after the Spartans had to quickly rebound from a 29-point loss to University of Michigan Tuesday night. Ward and his new hairdo would have to watch from the bench from the start after an unsettling performance against the Wolverines. Against U-M, Ward finished on par statistically with his season average: 13 points and seven rebounds in 25 minutes, but was issued a technical for tripping forward Moritz Wagner at the end of the first half when the Spartans trailed their rival by 26 points. “It was the most inexcusable thing there was (about the loss),” head coach Tom Izzo said after
the team’s loss to U-M. Izzo said during the team’s media availability after practice on Thursday he talked with Ward about the play, but would not comment any further on it. In place of Ward was redshirt-sophomore forward Kenny Goins, a walk-on who started his 14th game of the season for MSU and finished the game on Saturday with three points, two assists and 10 rebounds in 22 minutes. Ward acknowledged his mistake came from a mental lapse in a heated moment and said it’s now a memory he’s putting behind him. “I know what I did was wrong,” Ward said in the locker room after the game. “I had to pay the consequences for it and I deserved it.” Goins played the first 3:45 of the first half until Ward subbed in. Ward drew a foul less than a minute later. The Spartans trailed the Hawkeyes by a point going into halftime as it was a tale of two halves
Freshman forward Nick Ward (44) shoots the ball as he is defended by University of Iowa guard Isaiah Moss (4), left, and Iowa forward Cordell Pemsl (35) during the second half of men’s basketball game against Iowa on Feb. 11 at Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Hawkeyes, 7766. PHOTO: SUNDEEP DHANJAL
for most of the team. Ward’s lone score of the half came roughly seven minutes into regulation — an alley-oop slam off an airmailed pass from freshman guard Cassius Winston. The rest of the first half for Ward resulted in a turnover, one rebound and a pair of fouls, which hindered the freshman from playing the remainder of the half after just four minutes on the court. In contrast to his first half, Ward finished the game with the second-highest scoring total for the game with 14 points on 5-of-6 shooting, along with five rebounds, an assist and a block in 16 total minutes. Ward also finished a perfect 4-for4 from the free-throw line, a mark where his season average is just above 55 percent. “I really like the haircut, I think it made him play better,” freshman forward Miles Bridges said. “I just told him to keep his cool and don’t get into any altercations. Just play his game.” Despite the limited action, Ward’s 14 points helped combine for the first game this season where each of the four team’s freshman finished in double-digit scoring. Bridges ended with a game-high 16 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Guards Josh Langford and Winston finished with 11 and 12 points, respectively. MSU’s freshmen combined for 19 of the team’s 29 baskets, scoring the bulk of the 48.3 percent of shots made from the field. “Maybe it was the haircut,” Izzo said jokingly in response to Ward’s performance. “I thought 10
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Nick was as dialed in as I’ve seen him this year. When he got his second foul he had to come out and he stayed dialed in.” Play from Izzo’s freshman class was a large component in the win over the Hawkeyes. As a team on the outside looking into the NCAA Tournament, the game was pivotal. Each game going forward will have heavier implications for the Spartans. “This was a big win for us,” Izzo said. “We did an unbelievable job defensively, and I thought an unbelievable job rebounding the ball.” Up next for MSU will be the visiting Ohio State University Buckeyes (15-11, 5-8 Big Ten) on Valentine’s Day. The Spartans and the Buckeyes faced off earlier this season on Jan. 15, when MSU fell to Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, by a final score of 72-67. Tipoff at the Breslin Center for Tuesday’s game is scheduled for 9 p.m. and the game will be televised on ESPN.
“This was a big win for us. We did an unbelievable job defensively, and I thought an unbelievable job rebounding the ball.” Tom Izzo, Head coach MSU men’s basketball
Features
McKenna Ross Features editor features@statenews.com
Spartan Ski Club hosts annual Rail Jam at the Rock for charity BY SAMANTHA LEWAKOWSKI SLEWAKOWSKI@STATENEWS.COM
A lack of recent snowfall did not stop the members of MSU’s largest student organization, Spartan Ski Club, from shredding down a makeshift hill of snow to compete on Friday evening. The fourth annual Rail Jam at the Rock doubled as a philanthropy opportunity within their ski community. Dozens came to watch skiers and snowboarders do tricks on the snow hill and a rail competing for a first place title. But it was business sophomore Sam Schowalter who rose to the top and received the highest honor. Schowalter, who has snowboarded for seven years, said the process of setting up the event was fun. Members of Spartan Ski Club brought in their own snow and constructed a miniature hill for the competitors to ride under the bright lights. But Rail Jam isn’t all fun and games — funds from ticket sales are donated to skiing-related service organizations. “There’s a group up in northern Michigan called Challenge Mountain, and basically they do skiing for disabled skiers,” MSU alumnus and club president Mitch King said. “They teach a
whole range of (people with) disabilities how to ski. It’s like adaptive skiing.” According to the Challenge Mountain website, the organization got its start approximately 32 years ago and has provided its assisted skiing services to more than 1,800 people thanks to volunteers like the Spartan Ski Club. Spartan Ski Club is not just a social organization — the members value being able to help those who are unable to participate like them. King said he originally joined Spartan Ski Club to travel out west on the big ski trips Spartan Ski Club is notorious for. It wasn’t until a couple of years into his membership that he realized how different the club was. He explained that in juxtaposition to greek life at MSU, Spartan Ski Club feels like a more inclusive opportunity for students who all share similar ideas about what the college experience is and should be. “It’s a community,” King said. “The big thing about us is it’s a very inclusive group. It’s all people who just want to have a good time.” Rail Jam competitors battled for the first, second and third place titles through several rounds. The winners received free giveaway awards from companies that sponsored the event.
Business sophomore Sam Schowalter falls while attempting a trick on Feb. 10 at the Rock on Farm Lane. The Spartan Ski Club hosted its annual Rail Jam event where participants competed for prizes. PHOTO: JON FAMUREWA
CLEVER DATE SPOTS AROUND CAMPUS FOR THE PERFECT VALENTINE’S DAY 1. Pop-up ice skating rink The city of East Lansing’s pop-up ice skating rink is officially open for skating this month. While the rink is free of cost, skaters must bring their own skates. The rink, located in Valley Court Park, is open until 9 p.m. 2. Crunchy’s Not only is Crunchy’s famous for its burgers and craft beer selection, on Tuesday nights it offers two games of Sporcle Live! Trivia beginning at 7 p.m. If things go smoothly, stay until 10 p.m. to catch local comedians put on a show. According to the Crunchy’s website, the show will be hosted by Brandon Bonebrake. Employee Manny Macias said while there aren’t any special Valentine’s Day themes planned, the restaurant will be full of life because of the home basketball game. 3. Breslin Student Events Center The MSU men’s basketball team will take on the Ohio State University Buckeyes at 9 p.m. This date spot encompasses the best of both worlds: getting to spend time with
your special someone and not having to miss the game. 4. Wharton Center for Performing Arts What better way to celebrate a holiday surrounded by love than with a Broadway power couple. Jarrod Spector and Kelli Barrett will take the stage and remake music that came from other noteworthy musical marriages. According to the Wharton Center’s website, the show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and run approximately 90 minutes. 5. Demmer Shooting Sports, Education and Training Center Trying to get hit by Cupid’s arrow? Demmer Center offers both archery and firearm shooting. Director Michael Galella said they have seen an increased amount of couples try their hand at shooting because of the unique memory it creates. Although the center is open to members only on Valentine’s Day, the facility offers indoor and outdoor shooting ranges making it an evergreen date night destination.
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Features
McKenna Ross Features editor features@statenews.com
Happy Valentine’s Day: Share a valentine with someone you love We go together like freshmen and lanyards
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