‘Victim-blamed, shamed, and accused:’ Brenda Tracy speaks to MSU trustees about scandal

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Brenda Tracy, a rape survivor and activist who accused former Michigan State University head coach Mel Tucker of sexually harassing her during a call in April 2022 addressed the MSU Board of Trustees in person for the first time Friday.

In September 2023, Tracy came forward to accuse Tucker of sexual harassment, but while Tucker admitted to investigators that he masturbated during the phone call with Tracy, he claimed the two had consensual “phone sex.”

Tracy filed a complaint with MSU’s Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education later that year.  The sexual misconduct allegations were first made public in an article posted by USA Today on Sept. 10, 2023, and Tucker was suspended that same day.

“You say you are a board that supports survivors,” said Tracy. “That supports survivors. That was not my experience with you, but I absolutely believe that it should’ve been.”

Tracy is suing MSU for mishandling the case. and Tucker for defamation.

“I turned to MSU for help and in return,” said Tracy. “I was victim-blamed, shamed, accused of collusion, and used as a pawn for personal agendas.”

Tracy’s lawyer, Karen Truszkowski, also spoke passionately to the trustees today in its monthly meeting, saying that she has been accused of colluding with the members of MSU’s Board of Trustees.

She also says Tracy never wanted to go public about the harassment.

“She wanted this process to finish and be fair to everyone involved, including Mr. Tucker,” said Truszkowski.

Tucker signed a 10-year, $95 million contract extension in November 2021. At the time of his firing, he had nearly $80 million remaining on his contract. He is currently suing MSU for violating his constitutional rights.

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