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The University of Michigan (U of M) has been hit with two more sexual assault scandals, as students have come forward with allegations against American studies professor Bruce Conforth and computer science professor Walter Lasecki.
U of M has faced a wave of sexual assault scandals in the past few years. At least seven professors and officials, either current or former, have been accused of sexual harassment or abuse: Stephen Shipps, David Daniels, Douglas Trevor, Martin Philbert, Robert Anderson, and now Bruce Conforth and Walter Lasecki.
It has been shown that U of M knew about Conforth’s predatory behavior early on—with students first reporting it in 2008—but did nothing about it. In fact, Conforth was once named “Professor of the Year” and was able to teach at U of M for 16 years before quietly retiring in 2017.
Seven women have alleged that Conforth lured them in under the guise of mentorship—as a “tribal elder,” he would say—or through ritualistic, spiritual, or occult connections. He even told students he was part of the Illuminati, claiming to be a highly ranked member. Once he had gained the student’s trust, he would then make aggressive romantic and sexual advances. The students were left very anxious and confused as this professor, much older than them, sought to control and have sex with them.
These past students spoke to The New York Times about their traumatic experiences. In the most horrific account of Conforth’s sexual assault, he allegedly lured one young woman to his off-campus apartment and raped her. Another was coerced into performing sexual favors, while another was forcibly kissed. Each woman alleged that Conforth pursued them for several years and threatened suicide to leverage control over them.
Six women have filed Notice of Intent to Sue letters against U of M and Conforth. The seventh woman is in the middle of filing hers. Grewal Law PLLC is proud to represent each of these survivors of sexual assault.
As for computer science professor Walter Lasecki, U of M’s campus newspaper, The Michigan Daily, published a report detailing the sexual assault allegations against him. Per the report, four graduate students alleged that Lasecki made inappropriate statements, and some alleged they were touched inappropriately. While Lasecki denies wrongdoing, he is set to resign from his position August 30, 2021.
We Are Proud to Stand with Survivors
In addition to the Conforth litigation, Grewal Law PLLC is also representing sexual assault survivors in their cases against Robert Anderson, a former U of M physician. Despite knowing of his misconduct, U of M made him the official sports team physician instead of taking action to protect its students. More than 800 student athletes, students, and other young people have alleged sexual assault by Anderson.
Our acclaimed attorney team is well acquainted with campus sexual assault cases. For instance, we represented athird of the plaintiffs in the first wave of lawsuits against Michigan State and Larry Nassar. We were instrumental in helping the plaintiffs obtain a settlement of half a billion dollars from the university—and we do not plan on stopping anytime soon. We are currently fighting to hold USAG and USOC accountable for allowing Nassar to commit sexual abuse time and again.
If you have been the victim of sexual assault on campus or by a university faculty member, our Michigan attorneys at Grewal Law PLLC will provide compassionate counsel and aggressively advocate for your rights through a lawsuit. We know it can be intimidating to come forward, which is why we are committed to supporting you at every step of the way. With our team, you will not be alone in your pursuit of justice.
To speak with a caring lawyer, contact Grewal Law PLLC online or at (888) 211-5798 today.
