Michigan State University Board of Trustees Vice Chair Dan Kelly announced the board has hired legal counsel to review the administration’s decision to remove former Broad College of Business Dean Sanjay Gupta from his position.
In a statement released on Aug. 12, the university announced Gupta had resigned due to concerns about his adherence to MSU’s mandated reporting policy. This policy requires all university employees to report incidences of sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual misconduct, stalking and relationship violence that they are informed about in their professional capacity.
Kelly’s statement on Aug. 30 said Gupta’s removal was implemented by Provost Teresa Woodruff and supported by President Samuel L. Stanley Jr.
“The Board of Trustees is responsible for the oversight and governance of the University and has retained outside counsel to review the administration’s decision in this matter,” Kelly said in the statement.
Stanley released a statement shortly after the board’s, reiterating his support of Woodruff’s decision.
“Dr. Gupta served in his role as dean at the will of the Provost and she was well within her rights to make this leadership transition,” Stanley said in the statement. “I fully support this decision and the process utilized to come to this action. The administration will cooperate with the outside counsel.”
Deputy spokesperson Dan Olsen confirmed that Gupta resigned and that the removal process was implemented by the Provost.
“The Provost, within her purview and discretion, can make leadership changes and that’s what happened here,” Olsen said. “He did resign, but again, it was the provost that thought it was necessary to make the leadership transition.”
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