MSU investigates alleged ‘explicit’ gesture from Vassar

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – Michigan State University is looking into an alleged “explicit” hand gesture made by Trustee Rema Vassar at the Board of Trustees’ special meeting on March 3.

Board Chair Dan Kelly addressed the public during Friday’s meeting and said that reports were made which alleged Vassar made the hand gesture toward Trustee Dianne Byrum and Trustee Brianna Scott.

He added that the review is in its early stages andis being done by the school’s Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance (OARC).

Both Byrum and Scott were looking to remove Vassar as the board chair following an independent investigation that showed wrongdoings.

The report states that Vassar accepted gifts from donors and that she and another board member influenced findings in the reports on the school’s response to the mass shooting.

In a statement on behalf of the Board, Kelly said while the review is in its early stages, the group will support what it finds.

“OARC’s review is still ongoing,” he said. “If true, the Board condemns those actions. The Board is supportive of OARC completing its review and any recommendations or potential corrective actions it deems to be in alignment with its findings.”

6 News reached out to Vassar for comment and an MSU spokesperson for further information but have not heard back.

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