This comes after trustee Brianna Scott sent the board a letter demanding Vassar’s resignation, describing a “fractured and contentious” board with Vassar single-handedly orchestrating numerous major university decisions without the knowledge or consent of other board members or interim-president — often leading to costly legal entanglements and public controversy.

If Vassar refuses to resign, Scott asks Whitmer to forcibly remove her from the board as described in the Michigan constitution.

The Whitmer spokesperson who distributed the statement did not return a message asking if the governor would be willing to remove Vassar at time of publication.

Since Scott’s letter was publicized Sunday evening, trustee Dennis Denno has come out in support of Vassar and trustee Dianne Byrum has asked her to resign.

Vassar and the other members of the board have not returned calls from The State News seeking comment. Trustee Sandy Pierce did answer a call but ended the conversation saying she "didn't have time."

Since the release of Scott's letter, MSU student groups have split opinions on the controversy surrounding Vassar.

Emily Hoyumpa, president of MSU’s student government, ASMSU, said the group “does not tolerate bullying or harassment and truly hopes the board can overcome their problems for the betterment and stability of all spartans,” in a text to the State News. Hoyumpa did not answer if she thinks Vassar should resign.

Ty’Rianna Leslie, president of the Black Students’ Alliance, said she personally does not support Vassar’s removal, and doesn’t understand why Scott released the statement publicly. 

Leslie said Vassar, unlike other trustees, has “always been on the Black community’s side,” and she would need more proof of Scott’s allegations before addressing them.