MSU Trustee Sues, Says Ethics Policy Is Unconstitutional

MSU trustee sues, says ethics policy is unconstitutional

Michigan State University Trustee Mike Balow has filed a federal lawsuit aimed at modifying an updated ethics policy that includes a “loyalty” clause and more.

Trustees take legal action as controversy over changes to MSU Board Code of Ethics continues

Policy changes intended to tamp down infighting within the Michigan State University Board of Trustees are now drawing legal scrutiny as two of its members have filed complaints in federal court seeking to halt the enforcement of the board’s updated Code of Ethics and Conduct.  MSU Trustee Mike Balow on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against […]

2nd Michigan State Trustee Sues Over Board’s Speech Limits

A second Michigan State University Board of Trustees member is suing over his fellow members’ restrictions on trustees’ right to publicly disagree with the board majority and university administrators. “Trustees may praise MSU’s leadership all they want, but they face sanctions if they publicly criticize it,” Michael Balow’s lawsuit says. “That is blatant viewpoint discrimination, repugnant to our Constitution and political tradition.”

Trustee sues Michigan State over speech code restricting criticism of university leadership

Trustee Michael Balow's criticism included the school's failure to investigate the circumstances that allowed the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal to take place, First Amendment lawsuit says.