ANN ARBOR, MI -- The University of Michigan is facing criticism for its decision to hire resigned USA Gymnastics coach Rhonda Faehn, who allegedly learned of Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse allegations in 2015.
Nassar, 55, the ex-Michigan State University doctor who treated U.S. gymnasts during four Olympic games, is serving more than 140 years in prison based on convictions for possession child pornography and sexual assault.
“After our exhaustive due diligence, we felt comfortable that coach Faehn reported all information available to her regarding Larry Nassar and that she cooperated fully, including voluntarily participating in all investigations and offering testimony before Congress," said Warde Manuel, the university’s athletics director. "Neither an internal investigation by USA Gymnastics or a criminal investigation by the FBI have assigned culpability or resulted in any charges against her.”
Faehn left her position as the senior vice president for the USA Gymnastics women’s program, which she’d held since 2015, in May following calls from Nassar survivors for Faehn to resign.
“I reported my abuse to Rhonda Faehn and so did Maggie Nichols, and I don’t know what she did or didn’t do with that information, but I didn’t get contacted by the FBI for over a year, and in that time 50 to 100 gymnasts were molested,” Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman told the Indianapolis Star prior to Faehn’s resignation. "This is my frustration of she’s still working there, and we need to understand what she did or didn’t do, because her and Steve Penny were fully aware of what’s going on. I mean, she’s still there.”
The university in a statement issued Saturday, Jan. 12, said Faehn is expected to work as a coaching consultant through the 2019 collegiate women’s gymnastics season.
Many on social media have expressed dismay or confusion with the hiring decision.
Facebook reactions to University of Michigan's hiring of Rhonda Faehn.
Faehn worked as head coach of the University of Florida women’s gymnastics team between 2002-15, during that time winning three straight national championships, prior to taking the positions with USA Gymnastics.
“I am heartened at the outpouring of support that I received this weekend,” Faehn said, according to a statement issued by the university. “I am thrilled to join the University of Michigan and am appreciative of the careful consideration demonstrated by the administration.
"I am excited to work with these young women and am thankful for their enthusiastic support.”