Michigan State University's Board of Trustees plans to force out the school's interim president if he does not resign amid backlash to his comments about survivors of sexual abuse by Larry Nassar.

The Associated Press reported that Brian Mosallam, a trustee, said the "votes are there" to oust interim President John Engler if he does not step down. The board has called a special meeting on Thursday to discuss a "personnel action."

The university did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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Engler, a Republican who served as Michigan governor from 1991 to 2003, caused controversy last week when he told The Detroit News editorial board that some of the women sexually assaulted by Nassar have "been in the spotlight" and "are still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition."

Nassar was sentenced roughly a year ago to up to 175 years in prison for sexually assaulting more than 150 young female athletes while working as a doctor for Michigan State and USA Gymnastics. A total of 156 victims testified that they sought treatment from Nassar for sports injuries and were sexually assaulted.

Engler was named interim president after Lou Anna Simon stepped down from the role following Nassar's trial. Simon has since been charged with lying to police in the investigation into Nassar's sexual abuse.