Attorney General Nessel Closes MSU Investigation: No New Evidence Found in Withheld Documents

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel concludes the investigation into MSU's handling of the Larry Nassar scandal, revealing withheld documents provided no new insights, leaving survivors seeking answers.

MSU Investigation Ends with No New Revelations

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has officially closed the Department of Attorney General’s investigation into Michigan State University (MSU) concerning the sexual abuse scandal involving former MSU employee Larry Nassar. The closure follows the review of over 6,000 documents that MSU had withheld for years, claiming attorney-client privilege. Despite the lengthy investigation, the newly examined documents provided no additional relevant information about the University’s handling of Nassar’s abuses, leaving many questions unanswered.

Background of the MSU Investigation

The investigation was first launched in 2018 by former Attorney General Bill Schuette after the MSU Board of Trustees requested an independent review of the University’s actions related to the Nassar case. At that time, MSU promised full cooperation and handed over more than 105,000 documents. However, the University withheld 6,014 documents, citing attorney-client privilege. Earlier this year, these documents were finally released to the Department of Attorney General for review, reopening the investigation.

Upon reviewing the withheld documents, the Department found that many did not qualify for attorney-client privilege as previously claimed by MSU. The report issued by Nessel’s office highlighted that a significant portion of the documents were not covered by privilege and therefore, should not have been withheld. The report also concluded that even those documents that might arguably contain privileged information offered no new insights into MSU’s handling of the Nassar scandal or the extent of knowledge about his actions among University officials.

Findings: No New Answers for Survivors

The Attorney General’s report was a disappointment for many, particularly the survivors who had hoped the withheld documents would shed new light on the University’s actions. "This is a disappointing close to our years-long investigation into the abuse that hundreds of young women were subjected to over the course of more than a decade," Nessel stated. She expressed frustration that the withheld documents provided a false sense of hope to survivors who were seeking accountability and transparency.

Nessel emphasized that while MSU eventually complied by releasing the documents, the delay was unjustifiable. "There was no justifiable reason to withhold those documents for any period of time, let alone an extended period," the report stated. Most of the documents were related to tangential issues such as public relations, insurance, and funding, rather than directly addressing the core concerns of who knew what, and when, about Nassar's abuses.

Nessel’s Message to Survivors: A Call for Continued Advocacy

Attorney General Nessel directly addressed the survivors, acknowledging their bravery and perseverance throughout the investigation. "I commend you for your bravery in coming forward and sharing your stories, and for never giving up on the pursuit of justice and transparency," she said. Nessel recognized the disappointment that many survivors might feel due to the lack of new revelations but underscored the broader impact of their advocacy.

"While the investigation is closed, this is not where this story ends," Nessel affirmed. She praised the survivors for creating a "sisterhood" that has driven systemic changes not only in Michigan but nationwide. Nessel noted that their efforts have helped ensure that educational institutions are better equipped to prevent, investigate, and stop abuse, while also working to improve how survivors are treated in the judicial system.

The Path Forward: Public Access to Withheld Documents

As part of the commitment to transparency, the Attorney General’s office plans to make the 6,000 withheld documents publicly accessible in a digital format. However, the process of creating this publicly available folder is expected to take up to 12 months due to the volume of documents, the need for redactions, and compliance with accessibility standards. In the meantime, credentialed media can request access to the latest batch of documents through the Department’s media team, while the general public can submit requests through the Department’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) office.

Nessel reiterated that while the investigation into MSU is now closed, the impact of the survivors' advocacy continues to resonate. "Your advocacy, resilience, and your strength have left this world a better place," she stated. "And while this may not be the justice you sought; I do believe the changes in how we treat sexual abuse on campuses and in courtrooms alike is a form of justice that will impact generations to come all across the nation.”

Conclusion: A Story of Unfinished Justice

The closure of the MSU investigation marks the end of a significant chapter in the ongoing pursuit of accountability for the Larry Nassar scandal. For many survivors, the absence of new revelations from the withheld documents feels like an incomplete answer to the question of how such widespread abuse was allowed to continue for so long. Nevertheless, Attorney General Nessel's commitment to transparency and her recognition of the survivors' strength and advocacy highlight the ongoing efforts to ensure that such failures are not repeated.

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