School settles suits alleging sex abuse

Lawyers for victims of former University of Michigan Dr. Robert Anderson agree to a $490-million payout.

The University of Michigan announced a $490-million settlement Wednesday with over 1,000 people who say they were sexually assaulted by Dr. Robert Anderson during his nearly four decades at the school.

The university said 1,050 people will share in the settlement, the latest in several large payouts by American universities over accusations of repeated sexual abuse by employees.

The individuals and their lawyers will determine how to split $460 million, the school said in a statement. An additional $30 million will go toward future claims.

Board of Regents Chair Jordan Acker told reporters that the agreement would resolve all survivor claims.

“We must support healing and restoration of trust in an environment where safety is paramount,” he said. “This agreement is an important step in that direction.”

Parker Stinar, a lawyer for about 200 of the victims, said the deal was reached Tuesday night. The university had been in mediation to resolve multiple lawsuits by mostly men who said the doctor had sexually abused them during medical examinations.

“I believe this settlement will provide justice and healing for the many brave men and women who refused to be silenced,” Stinar said.

Anderson, who died in 2008, worked at the university from 1966 until 2003. He was director of the school’s health service and a physician for multiple athletic teams. Former football players are among those who have accused Anderson of sexually abusing them.

A firm hired by the school to investigate the scandal found that staff missed many opportunities to stop him over his 37-year career.

The settlement has to be approved by the Board of Regents, which is expected to vote at its February meeting, Acker said. It also has to be approved by 98% of claimants and the court overseeing the lawsuits.

The settlement is one of several reached over sex abuse scandals at American universities, including Michigan State, USC and Penn State.