Report: Brenda Tracy set to sue Michigan State, Mel Tucker for $75 million over sexual harassment

Prominent sexual violence prevention advocate and rape survivor Brenda Tracy is intending to sue Michigan State University and former football coach Mel Tucker, according to USA Today’s Kenny Jacoby. Tracy took initial steps for suing a government agency, filing intent-to-sue notices in the Michigan Court of Claims, a required step to file a claim.

Tracy is suing Tucker and Michigan State, alleging that Tucker’s sexual harassment, his release of private text messages between Tracy and a deceased associate and Michigan State’s failure to prevent the misconduct and keep the investigation confidential sullied her reputation, according to USA Today. Tracy also apparently alleges the ordeal damaged her ability to do charitable work, future earnings, and caused psychological and emotional harm.

All told, Tracy is seeking $75 million in damages, with $25 million going to her nonprofit, Set The Expectation. The claims will ultimately cover a range of issues, including breach of contract, as Tracy was a university vendor.

“Up until now, Brenda Tracy has had to remain quiet about the events of the past year,” Tracy’s attorney, Karen Truszkowski said to USA Today. “This is her opportunity to respond to the falsehoods and harms she has endured.”

Tucker’s appeal of the initial investigation findings was rebuffed in January

An outside attorney hired by the school denied appeals by Tucker “on all fronts” in a 24-page report, according to USA Today.

Michigan State fired Tucker after public revelations that he apparently had an improper relation with, and sexually harassed, Tracy, who has created a business on education and informing athletes about sexual and relationship violence. A university Title IX investigation, started after Tracy filed a formal complaint, eventually found that Tucker had sexually harassed Tracy.

And now Tucker’s extralegal appeals of that investigation and process have run out as Tennessee-based attorney Courtney Bullard upheld the decision from the Title IX investigation. Bullard is the founder of Institutional Compliance Solutions, a consulting firm.

“Based on the facts outlined in the record, the (Resolution Officer) had a reasonable basis for each of the challenged findings. The RO’s Decision is upheld. This decision is final,” Bullard wrote, according to USA Today.

Tucker was fired for cause by Michigan State, potentially costing him upwards of $60 million that he was still owed on his contract with the school. Tucker still has the ability to file a suit against Michigan State for wrongful termination, among other claims.

Michigan State can now also take further actions to sanction Tucker, even though he is no longer an employee. He can be banned from campus, future employment or participating in school activities like attending sporting events.