Michigan State University has hired an attorney who defended the school against sexual assault lawsuits to head the office handling sexual assault complaints, sparking pushback from victims' advocates.
The Detroit Free Press reports that the university's interim president, John Engler, appointed Robert Kent this month to temporarily lead the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance. The school cited his expertise in civil rights and Title IX cases.
The move comes amid the fallout from the sexual abuse scandal involving former sports doctor Larry Nassar.
Hundreds of women and girls say he sexually abused them under the guise of medical treatment, including when he worked for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics.
One outspoken victim, Rachael Denhollander, says Kent's appointment is insensitive. She says the university is sending "a message to survivors that their voices don't matter."
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