A former Michigan graduate student is taking action against the university, claiming that her thyroid cancer is linked to her time there. She stated that her exposure to pesticides was deemed “harmless,” according to her and her legal team’s claims made on Monday.
Linglong Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer on June 26th of last year, attributing her condition to her experiences at MSU between 2008 and 2011 in a lawsuit filed in Ingham County Circuit Court.
According to the civil suit, “In Wei’s field studies, Michigan State University required her to apply excessive amounts of harmful pesticides and herbicides.”
Wei alleges exposure to several herbicides, such as dichloride, glyphosate, and oxyflufen, noting that they are linked to cancer.
The lawsuit claims Wei was not adequately trained and did not receive the necessary protective gear to handle such hazardous substances.
Looking back, Wei criticized the university for failing to implement stronger safety protocols.
“During my time as a student at MSU, I voiced my concerns, but no one listened,” Wei told reporters in Lansing.
“I felt afraid due to the department’s reactions. I didn’t strongly advocate for my safety, especially when I was told that exposure was safe.”
Wei, an international student from China, mentioned that the cancer left lasting marks on her throat, and she worries about her prospects of having children.
She speculated that MSU ignored her concerns.
“International students often feel overlooked, assuming their time here is temporary and their concerns go unheard,” Wei stated.
Maya Green, a former student lawyer, highlighted her client’s inadequate training and safety equipment provided by MSU.
“She was made to handle dangerous pesticides without proper gloves, protective equipment, breathing masks, or sufficient training,” Green said.
“Wei was placed in a position to handle these harmful substances without protection. She was a foreign student, navigating MSU’s system in a language that was not her own.”
The former Michigan student is seeking $100 million in damages.
“Wei was consistently assured that her activities posed no harm, and she relied on that assurance, only to suffer as a result,” her attorney noted.
Michigan State spokesperson Amber McCann declined to comment on the specifics of Wei’s case.
“While we cannot discuss ongoing litigation, we want to stress that Michigan State prioritizes the health and safety of the campus community,” McCann stated.
“We ensure that necessary training and personal protective equipment are provided in accordance with relevant university policies and state and federal regulations.”
Source: www.nbcnews.com
