Michigan State Fined $4.5 Million For Failure to Address Sexual Abuse

The Primary: Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced the Department of Education will fine Michigan State University $4.5 million for its mishandling of Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse of gymnasts at the university.

• Who? What? Why?: At least 14 school officials at Michigan State were aware of the claims made against Nassar but did not act, which DeVos says contributed to a “sexually hostile environment" The school previously settled with the accusers for over $500 million.

• The Baseline: Betsy DeVos says the penalty is “the largest ever” to be levied against a school. To compare, Penn State University was fined $2.4 million for its mishandling of Jerry Sandusky’s abuse.