EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University Interim President John Engler's comment about Nassar survivors "enjoying" the spotlight is not going over well.
The University's Museum partnered with the Army of Survivors to host a forum on Tuesday.
Amanda Smith, who is a survivor said the goal is to spread awareness about sexual assault. In light of the recent comments made by Engler, survivors say things like this are needed.
"People don't come forward because they don't think that they will have a voice, we really want to get this out there so people know that they have a voice and they will be believed if they tell somebody," she said.
The Army of Survivors was born during Larry Nassar's sentencing hearing a year ago.
"As soon as Judge Aquilina really referred to us as the 'sister survivors' and and Amanda Thomashow said 'you're creating an army' it just all took place."
That army is more motivated than ever after the latest comments from Engler. Last Friday, MSU's interim president told the Detorit News "there are a lot of people who are touched by this, survivors who haven't been in the spotlight. In some ways, they have been able to deal with this better than the ones who've been in the spotlight who are still enjoying that moment at times, you know, the awards and recognition."
This didn't sit well with survivors.
"You just kind of have to roll your eyes at the situation now. Its just like, things start to get better and he takes eight steps backwards and he makes a comment that dredges up everything all over again," Smith said.
Smith says its important to highlight instances like this, and learn from them.
"Other people say these things and the everyday person might not know they say these things and to bring it up and have the media kind of spotlight it... is nice because our platform is kind of big and its nice for them to see what we do deal with and what people think."
And Smith says tonight is a good place to start.
"Learn. Become an ally. That's really what its about."
Michigan State University chose not to comment on Engler's statement. Board of trustees chairperson, Dianne Byrum tweeted that John Engler does not speak for the board.
The events will happen monthly. The next one takes place on Feb. 12th at 5:3
