Michigan State suspends employee over Hitler image, athletics director apologizes

Michigan State‘s vice president and director of athletics has apologized personally for a video that aired on Saturday during the team’s football game showing Adolf Hitler. The program has also taken corrective measures toward an employee responsible for the image.

The image was part of a trivia question that appeared on a stadium video board prior to a rivalry game against Michigan.

The trivia question asked what nation Hitler was born in, with a picture of Hitler accompanying the question on the right side of the video board. Michigan State quickly issued a statement apologizing and promising a review, but athletics director Alan Haller went more in depth on Sunday.

Haller’s note indicated that an employee has been suspended with pay, pending further investigation of the incident.

“I am deeply sorry for the offensive image we displayed on the Spartan Stadium video boards Saturday night. I apologize for the pain it has caused our community. Ultimately, it is my responsibility to make sure all those who interact with Spartan Athletics feel safe, valued and respected.

“The image was harmful to our communities, especially our Jewish community which is currently experiencing a rise in antisemitism, including acts of violence.”

Michigan State has noted that the video displayed was not viewed in its entirety by anyone in the athletics department prior to airing on Saturday, revealing “a failure in our process.” It was also not part of a sponsorship and had no affiliation with any corporate partners or others in the community.

“Looking forward, Michigan State Athletics will ensure greater oversight and processes surrounding any material displayed in relation to one of our athletics events,” Haller wrote. “We are committed to ensuring this never happens again and to better demonstrating the inclusive community that we are.

“I will be reaching out to local groups within the Jewish community as well as other student leadership groups on campus and within our department, each of whom has been impacted in their own way. It’s important they hear directly from me regarding our failed responsibilities as well as our promise to do better. It’s equally imperative that they are provided the opportunity to be heard.

“Antisemitism must be denounced. The image displayed prior to Saturday night’s game is not representative of who we are and the culture we embody. Nevertheless, we must own our failures and accept responsibility. I understand our response might be met with skepticism. That skepticism is warranted, and we will do all that is necessary to earn back your trust.”