MSU Trustee Rema Vassar Files Lawsuit Against Board
The legal filing alleges discrimination and retaliation against the university trustee.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Higher Education
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Michigan State University Trustee Rema Vassar filed a lawsuit against university officials and members of the Board of Trustees. The complaint alleges that Vassar was subjected to discrimination and retaliation based on her race and gender.
Why it matters
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in ongoing internal conflict at Michigan State University regarding board governance and conduct. It follows a costly external investigation into Vassar's actions and her subsequent refusal to sign the board's code of ethics.
Rema Vassar filed a 40-page legal document in court seeking the restoration of her trustee privileges. An investigation into her conduct previously cost the university over $2 million.
The players
Rema Vassar
Rema Vassar is a member of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees who served as board chair.
Kevin Guskiewicz
Kevin Guskiewicz serves as the President of Michigan State University.
Brianna Scott
Brianna Scott is the Chair of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees.
The details
Vassar names Board Chair Brianna Scott, Rebecca Bahar-Cook, and President Kevin Guskiewicz as defendants alongside former trustees and university counsel. She alleges her constitutional and civil rights were violated after sanctions stripped her of event access and game tickets.
Timeline
January 2023: Rema Vassar became board chair.
May 2026: Kevin Guskiewicz announced intentions to leave the university.
June 2026: Rema Vassar sent a pre-litigation demand to the university.
July 2026: Kevin Guskiewicz announced he would remain at the university.
October 21, 2026: Rema Vassar filed the lawsuit.
Culture Shift
The lawsuit marks a direct challenge to the enforcement mechanisms within the Michigan State University Board Code of Ethics and Conduct. This legal action highlights a significant breakdown in collaborative governance and underscores tensions regarding internal institutional accountability.
The litigation involving university leadership draws further public scrutiny to the administration of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Residents and stakeholders may face continued uncertainty regarding the stability of the institution's governing body.
The takeaway
This case illustrates the complex legal battles that can arise when governing boards clash over internal conduct codes and institutional authority. Stakeholders should monitor future court proceedings to understand the long-term impact on university governance.
Further reading
Learn more about the ongoing leadership climate at the university in the Higher Education section.
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