January 1, University of Michigan Reaches $490M Sexual Abuse Settlement

The University of Michigan reached a $490 million settlement with 1,050 people who say they were victims of sexual assault by a sports doctor who worked at the decade for nearly four decades.

“It has been a long and challenging journey, and I believe this settlement will provide justice and healing for the many brave men and women who refused to be silenced,” said Parker Stinar, an attorney representing about 200 victims.

The University of Michigan had been in mediation to resolve multiple lawsuits by mostly men who alleged Dr. Robert Anderson sexually abused them during medical examinations.

The individuals and their lawyers will determine how to split $460 million with no input from the university, the school said in a statement. The remaining $30 million will be set aside for future claims.

“We must support healing and restoration of trust in an environment where safety is paramount,” said Board of Regents Chair Jordan Acker.

“This agreement is an important step in that direction.”

The settlement is the latest from a university following a sexual abuse scandal. Notably, Michigan State University agreed to pay $500 million to settle claims from more than 300 women and girls who say they were abused by sports doctor Larry Nassar.

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U. of Michigan reaches $490M settlement over sexual abuse