It was no secret at Michigan State University (MSU) that some leaders acted in ways that were far from acceptable. For former medical student Nicole Eastman, the shock wasn’t in hearing about such behavior—it was in realizing that no one seemed to care enough to stop it.
A Culture of Silence: “Everybody Knows, Nothing Will Change”
In 2007, Nicole Eastman was a young medical student with ambitions and optimism. But a disturbing encounter with William Strampel, the dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, would mark her time at MSU. Eastman recounted an incident at a flu shot clinic where Strampel joked about intoxication and coercion, laughing off the vulnerability of others.
She confided in someone she trusted within the college, only to hear a chilling response: “Everybody knows about his behavior, and nothing will ever change.” This wasn’t just an isolated comment—it reflected a deeper systemic failure.
Eastman’s story underscores a pattern of neglect and indifference. Strampel’s behavior wasn’t an open secret; it was an accepted one.
Connections to Larry Nassar: A Chain of Accountability
Strampel wasn’t just any dean—he was the direct supervisor of Larry Nassar, the disgraced USA Olympic and MSU doctor convicted of sexually assaulting hundreds of patients under the guise of medical treatment. Nassar’s crimes became a national scandal, but what’s often forgotten is how those in power failed to act.
In 2014, after a patient filed a Title IX complaint against Nassar for sexual assault, Strampel was tasked with ensuring safety protocols were followed. These measures included having a chaperone present during sensitive exams and mandating gloves for such procedures. Yet, he ignored these rules entirely.
In 2019, Strampel was convicted of criminal charges for neglecting his duty and for using his position to harass female medical students. The failure wasn’t just personal—it was institutional.
Disbelief and Blame: A Look at Leadership’s Response
When the public first learned of Nassar’s abuse, Strampel’s response was damning. In comments reported by The Wall Street Journal, he dismissed the victims, suggesting they fabricated their stories to harm Nassar’s reputation.
“This just goes to show none of you learned the most basic lesson in medicine: don’t trust your patients,” Strampel reportedly said. “Patients lie to get doctors in trouble… I don’t think any of these women were actually assaulted by Larry.”
Such remarks didn’t just protect Nassar—they perpetuated a culture where victims were silenced and abusers shielded.
The Systemic Failure: What Went Wrong?
The question isn’t just how individuals like Strampel and Nassar committed their crimes but how a respected institution allowed such behavior to persist.
Here’s a breakdown of the key systemic failures:
- Lack of Oversight: Strampel ignored safety protocols explicitly designed to prevent abuse.
- Dismissal of Complaints: Whistleblowers like Eastman were met with indifference rather than action.
- Cultural Attitudes: Leadership fostered a mindset that prioritized reputations over accountability.
The consequences of these failures are evident not just in legal convictions but in the long-term damage to MSU’s reputation and the trust of its community.
The Aftermath: Lessons Still Unlearned
In the years since Nassar’s crimes came to light, MSU has faced lawsuits, protests, and public scrutiny. Yet, for many victims, the university’s response has felt hollow.
Eastman’s story and Strampel’s negligence highlight an uncomfortable truth: policies mean little without accountability. While MSU has made public commitments to reform, skeptics wonder if meaningful change is possible in a system that allowed predators to thrive for so long.
The university’s name remains stained, a stark reminder of how much work is needed to rebuild trust.
Comments