Two Michigan State trustees sue the board amid ethics code fight
The gist
Michigan State trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow each filed lawsuits against board leaders over censures and a revised ethics code.
The suits land days before a November election for two board seats.
How it unfolded
- Jun 2026The board censures trustees Rema Vassar and Mike Balow for refusing to comply with the code, stripping non-essential privileges including athletic tickets and travel reimbursement.
- Oct 18, 2026Vassar files a lawsuit claiming she was retaliated against on the basis of sex and race, saying officials 'orchestrated a campaign of intentional discrimination and retaliation against her.'
- Oct 28, 2026Balow files a federal lawsuit against Board Chair Brianna Scott and board Secretary Stefan Fletcher, claiming the revised code of ethics and conduct violates his free speech rights.