Michigan State OKs independent probe of handling of Nassar

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan State University is authorizing what it says will be an independent investigation of the school’s handling of sexual assault complaints against now-imprisoned former sports doctor Larry Nassar .

The board of trustees unanimously approved the probe Friday. It intends to hire Chicago-based law firm McDermott Will & Emery to investigate and release a public report.

The university has come under criticism for hiring a law firm to conduct an “independent” investigation while the same law firm also defended the school in civil lawsuits. No report has been made public.

The Michigan attorney general office’s has been investigating the university and has charged three officials, including a former president.

Trustees say they worked with Nassar victims in recent months to launch the new investigation “to restore trust in this university.”