According to the Lansing State Journal, "The professor, Matthew Phillips, sexually harassed two graduates of the communicative sciences and disorders program, according to an email Dean Prabu David sent Tuesday to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences."

In the email sent to faculty, support staff, and graduate students of the ComArtSci department, David said the college takes these findings seriously and has taken immediate action. After consulting with the CSD department chairperson and the Provost, it was determined that dismissal was the appropriate sanction.

"On July 8, we sent Professor Phillips a letter of intent to terminate his employment with MSU," David said in the email. "On July 15, Professor Phillips submitted his resignation prior to (the) conclusion of the dismissal process. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the members of our community. We are continuing to work with those who were directly affected by this incident to ensure they receive support and assistance. CSD faculty and staff were informed of these events last week and we are following a trauma-informed communication plan to inform CSD students."