U. of Michigan Missed Chances to Stop Doctor’s Abuse, Report Says
Staff at the University of Michigan missed many opportunities to stop a doctor who committed sexual misconduct for decades with long-term consequences for hundreds of patients, including generations of student athletes, a law firm hired by the school has reported.
The long-awaited report by the WilmerHale firm comes more than a year after former students publicly accused the late Robert Anderson of molesting them during routine physicals or other visits. Some university officials at the time took no action despite being aware of complaints, including legendary football Coach Bo Schembechler, the report said.
Easthope died in February.
“We express our unconditional support for and hope for the healing of the victims of Dr. Anderson, the Easthope family said in a statement to The Associated Press. “We believe that the WilmerHale report is problematic and scapegoats our father who, while dying of cancer, cooperated in every aspect of the investigation to ensure transparency for the victims of the events that happened over 40 years ago. He was not the final decision-maker at the university regarding Dr. Anderson’s continued employment and he had no say or participation in his eventual transfer to the the athletic department. Our father always stood up for the underdog and the marginalized. He should be remembered for his forthrightness in addressing this tragedy.