The University of Michigan repeatedly failed to address the pervasive sexual misconduct of Dr. Robert Anderson, a physician who abused hundreds of patients, including generations of student athletes, over his 37-year career at the institution. A comprehensive report released by the law firm WilmerHale details a systemic failure by university staff and officials to act on numerous complaints and warnings, allowing Anderson’s abuse to continue unchecked for decades.
The WilmerHale investigation, commissioned by the university, comes after former students publicly accused Anderson of molestation during routine physicals and other medical appointments. The report reveals a disturbing pattern of inaction by university officials, including legendary football coach Bo Schembechler, despite their awareness of the allegations.
A Pattern of Inaction and Systemic Failure
The report identifies at least 20 instances where students, athletes, and other individuals reported Anderson’s misconduct to university staff. These accounts, gathered through interviews and reports to the university’s Division of Public Safety & Security, paint a clear picture of a system that failed to protect its community.
One key figure in the report is Thomas Easthope, the former assistant vice president of student services, who oversaw the University Health Service. Easthope received complaints about Anderson on at least three occasions in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite claiming to have confronted Anderson and fired him, the report reveals this was untrue. Documentation shows Easthope continued to sign off on Anderson’s employment and even approved a salary increase for him.
The report also highlights a culture of silence within the university’s athletic department. Coaches, trainers, and other staff members failed to question Anderson’s behavior, despite widespread rumors and jokes among student athletes about his misconduct. The report identifies eight instances where student athletes directly complained to coaches or athletic staff about Anderson, including three former football players who reported telling Schembechler about Anderson’s inappropriate conduct during physical exams.
Schembechler’s Role and the Athletic Department’s Silence
The report includes accounts from former players who allege Schembechler dismissed their concerns about Anderson, telling one player to “toughen up.” Another athlete claimed Schembechler directed him to report the abuse to then-athletic director Don Canham, who reportedly took no action after being informed twice. While some staff members who worked with Schembechler maintain he would not have tolerated such behavior had he known, the accounts of former players contradict this assertion.
The Scope of the Abuse and the University’s Response
The WilmerHale investigation reveals the devastating scale of Anderson’s abuse. Over 600 individuals reported their experiences to the firm, with 300 agreeing to be interviewed. While the majority of victims who have come forward are men, the report confirms that women were also abused. Medical experts consulted by the firm concluded that Anderson’s conduct was grossly improper and not consistent with any recognized standard of care.
The University of Michigan has acknowledged Anderson’s abuse and has expressed a willingness to settle lawsuits out of court. The institution has also implemented new policies and procedures related to sexual misconduct, but the WilmerHale report recommends further training for staff and students on recognizing and reporting such behavior, particularly within the athletic department. The report emphasizes the need to address how team dynamics and culture can discourage reporting.
Seeking Justice and Accountability
The report’s findings have been met with outrage and calls for accountability. Attorneys representing survivors of Anderson’s abuse emphasize the university’s long-standing knowledge of his misconduct and its failure to protect its community. The university has stated its commitment to regaining the trust of survivors and fostering a safe environment for students, employees, and the community.
Conclusion: A Call for Change and Healing
The case of Dr. Robert Anderson represents a profound institutional failure. The University of Michigan’s repeated inaction allowed a predator to operate unchecked for decades, causing immense harm to hundreds of individuals. The WilmerHale report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust reporting mechanisms, proactive responses to allegations of abuse, and a culture of accountability within institutions. While the university has taken steps to address its past failings, the road to healing and rebuilding trust will be long and arduous. It is imperative that the university continue to prioritize the needs of survivors and implement meaningful changes to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again.
