Brenda Tracy has filed a federal lawsuit against two Michigan State University trustees, alleging breaches of information, misconduct, and interference with contract.
The lawsuit, spanning 51 pages, specifically names MSU Trustees Dennis Denno and Rema Vassar, as well as the Board of Trustees collectively.
Tracy’s claims include breaches of statutory duty, violations of the Board’s code of ethics, misconduct in office, and violations of due process under the 14th Amendment.
The claims against the trustees are the following:
- Breach of statutory duty as to all defendants
- Breach of the Michigan State University Board of Trustees’ code of ethics and conduct
- Misconduct in office as to defendants Vassar and Denno
- Violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1983 and the 14th amendment substantive and procedural due process
- Breach of contract as to defendant BOT (Board of Trustees)
- Tortious interference with contractGross negligence
Tracy’s lawsuit follows the firing of former MSU football coach Mel Tucker in 2023, after Tracy’s sexual harassment complaint against him became public.
Tracy alleged that Tucker made nonconsensual sexual advances, claims which Tucker has denied.
The lawsuit also accuses the Board of Trustees of breach of contract and tortious interference with contract, alongside claims of gross negligence. Tracy is pursuing legal action against MSU for what she describes as mishandling her complaints about Tucker.
Tracy’s attorney has declined to comment further on the lawsuit, leaving the outcome and potential impact on MSU’s governance and policies uncertain.