Sexual assault advocate Brenda Tracy sues Michigan State University, alleging retaliation, identity leak

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University faces a new federal lawsuit by sexual assault survivor Brenda Tracy.

Tracy claims the university leaked her confidential harassment complaint against former head football coach Mel Tucker.

The 51-page lawsuit explicitly names trustees Rema Vassar and Dennis Denno, accusing them of exposing Tracy’s identity during the investigation.

Tracy says university officials failed to protect her from threats and harassment after her story became public and ignored previous complaints about Tucker’s behavior toward other women.

Tucker was fired last fall after investigators found he had sexually harassed Tracy during an April 2022 phone call.

Eight months after hiring her to speak to his players about preventing sexual violence.

Tracy seeks unspecified damages, saying she’s suffered psychological distress and lost income.

No response yet from MSU.

“My name was leaked and it caused irreparable harm to my life. I’ve been blamed, shamed and falsely accused of things that I did not do. Those responsible need to be held accountable. I deserved better and so does the MSU community."

Brenda Tracy