Brenda Tracy wants to sue Michigan State and Mel Tucker for $75 million for sexual harassment

Prominent advocate for sexual violence prevention and rape survivor Brenda Tracy intends to sue Michigan State University and former football coach Mel Tuckeraccordingly USA Today’s Kenny Jacoby. Tracy took initial steps to sue a government agency by filing a notice of intent to sue in the Michigan Court of Claims, a required step to filing a lawsuit.

Tracy is suing Tucker and Michigan State, claiming that Tucker’s sexual harassment, his release of private text messages between Tracy and a deceased colleague, and Michigan State’s failure to prevent the misconduct and keep the investigation confidential have tainted her reputation, according to USA today. Tracy also apparently claims that the ordeal has affected her ability to do charitable work, affected her future earnings, and caused her psychological and emotional harm.

In total, Tracy is seeking $75 million in damages, $25 million of which will go to her nonprofit organization, Set The Expectation. The claims will ultimately cover a number of issues, including breach of contract, as Tracy was acting as a vendor for the university.

“Until now, Brenda Tracy has had to remain silent about the events of the past year,” said Tracy’s lawyer. Karen Truszkowski said to USA today“This is her opportunity to respond to the untruths and hurt she has suffered.”

Tucker’s appeal against the initial investigation findings was rejected in January

An outside lawyer hired by the school rejected Tucker’s appeals “on all fronts” in a 24-page report, according to USA today.

Michigan State fired Tucker after it was publicly revealed that he apparently had an inappropriate relationship with Tracy and sexually harassed her. Tracy has founded a company dedicated to educating student-athletes about sexual assault and relationship violence. A university Title IX investigation, launched after Tracy filed a formal complaint, ultimately determined that Tucker had sexually harassed Tracy.

And now Tucker’s out-of-court appeals against that investigation and trial have expired, as the Tennessee-based attorney Courtney Bullard affirmed the decision from the Title IX investigation. Bullard is the founder of Institutional Compliance Solutions, a consulting firm.

“Based on the facts presented in the record, the (Resolution Officer) had a reasonable basis for each of the findings appealed. The RO’s decision is affirmed. This decision is final,” Bullard wrote, according to USA Today.

Tucker was fired for cause by Michigan State, potentially costing him over $60 million he is still owed under his contract with the school. Tucker still has the option to sue Michigan State for wrongful termination and other claims.

Michigan State may now also take further action to sanction Tucker, even though he is no longer employed by the company. He may be barred from campus access, future employment or participation in school activities such as attending sporting events.