John Engler resigned Wednesday as interim president of Michigan State University after facing criticism over his recent remarks about the girls and young women who were Larry Nassar's victims, CNN reports. According to the university's spokeswoman Emily Guerrant, the Michigan State University board of trustees intended to consider Engler's ouster on Thursday but will now discuss the president's transition. Engler, who served three terms as the governor of Michigan, has faced criticism since he first took over the position from Lou Anna Simon—who herself resigned under disapproval for her handling of the Larry Nassar sexual-abuse scandal. The latest round of criticism came after Engler told the Detroit News’ editorial board that Nassar victims were “enjoying the spotlight” while the university is “trying to go back to work.” Engler’s decision comes hours after the university’s board scheduled a special meeting for early Thursday morning with the intent of firing the interim president, according to the report. Once the meeting was announced, board member Brian Mosallam, the leading critic of Engler, told the Free Press the time had come for Engler to leave. “John Engler’s reign of terror is over,” Mosallam said. “Michigan State University will be returned to its people.”
