A recent investigation has found that two Michigan State University trustees have violated ethics rules in their roles as members of the board.
The report, conducted by an independent investigator, revealed that trustees Brianna Scott and Kelly Tebay failed to disclose conflicts of interest related to their positions on the board. Scott, who is a lawyer, failed to disclose her representation of a client in a lawsuit against the university, while Tebay failed to disclose her husband’s employment with a company that does business with the university.
These violations of ethics rules are concerning, as trustees are expected to adhere to high standards of conduct and transparency. The failure to disclose conflicts of interest can undermine the integrity of the board and raise questions about the trustees’ ability to act in the best interests of the university.
In response to the report, both Scott and Tebay have acknowledged their mistakes and apologized for their actions. They have committed to taking steps to ensure that similar lapses in judgment do not occur in the future.
Michigan State University has also issued a statement regarding the findings, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct among trustees and committing to implementing measures to strengthen accountability and transparency within the board.
It is crucial that trustees uphold the highest ethical standards in their roles as stewards of the university. The findings of this report serve as a reminder of the importance of transparency, integrity, and accountability in governance and decision-making at Michigan State University. Trustee Scott and Trustee Tebay must take responsibility for their actions and work to regain the trust of the university community.