Progressive Women’s Caucus on Engler’s resignation from interim post at Michigan State University

Jan 17, 2019
1 min read

LANSING — This morning, Michigan State University Board of Trustees accepted Interim President John Engler’s resignation from his position. In his place, the board appointed Satish Udpa, the current Executive Vice President for Administration at MSU. Engler’s resignation comes after his recent comments regarding survivors of Larry Nassar’s abuse, though this is not the first time he publically made insensitive and irresponsible comments about assault survivors. Last June, the Progressive Women’s Caucus’ executive committee called for Engler to resign from his post. In response, the Progressive Women’s Caucus’ executive committee released the following statement:

“Engler’s failure to exhibit true leadership during this crisis has not only tarnished the name and reputation of Michigan State University, but failed the survivors who bravely came forward and demanded justice. We are grateful the Board has finally acknowledged the need for new university leadership to help provide survivors the support and resources they deserve and create a campus culture that listens to survivors and holds perpetrators accountable. Moving forward, we will continue working with our colleagues in the Legislature to craft policy solutions that supp

ort and protect survivors.”

Issuing the statement on behalf of the Progressive Women’s Caucus is the executive committee, which includes state Sen. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit), state Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), state Rep. Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township), state Rep. Leslie Love (D-Detroit) and state Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), as well as state Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Township) whose district includes Michigan State University.