Who is Domenico Grasso? Michigan University's interim president addresses Sherrone Moore's firing, calls it a "breach of trust" in a mass email

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Sherrone Moore (Image by Gregory Shamus/Getty)

Domenico Grasso, interim president of the University of Michigan, reportedly sent a mass email following coach Sherrone Moore’s firing. The football coach was released from his duties for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with an employee. Keeping the situation in mind, Grasso sent a letter and asked anyone who had intel about the matter to come forward.

Domenico Grasso is an alumnus of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University, and the University of Michigan. He is an environmental engineer by training. He teaches civil and environmental engineering at the University of Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus. Grasso is also a faculty member of sustainable engineering at the Dearborn campus. According to the official website of the University, his research is described as:

“His research focuses on molecular scale processes that govern the ultimate fate of contaminants in the environment and development of new techniques to reduce risks to human health and natural resources.”

Meanwhile, in his email to the pupils, he wrote:

“When the findings of a University investigation into Coach Moore’s behavior were presented on Wednesday, we immediately terminated his employment.”

Domenico Grasso’s email mentioned that the incident was a violation of the institution’s policy. The letter further read:

“There is absolutely no tolerance for this conduct at the University of Michigan. None. I have been in close communication with the Board of Regents and we are united in committing to doing what is right. This breach of trust by Coach Moore is painful for many in our community, first and foremost, the individuals directly involved in this situation.”

Domenico Grasso said concerned people should use the “compliance hotline” to report such issues in the future

Domenico Grasso’s message said that the university acted quickly because it was serious about keeping the campus a responsible space. It explained that they still needed to learn all the facts, so the investigation would continue. Grasso also said that people at the university had worked hard for years to make the campus safe and respectful for everyone, and they needed to keep working toward that goal. The letter also mentioned:

“Each of us shares an obligation to uphold our values. If you become aware of any violation of U-M policies, I strongly encourage you to report it through the University’s compliance hotline.”

Domenico Grasso opined:

“I have tremendous faith in the University of Michigan and the principled work our faculty, staff and students carry out every day. Together, we will move forward with integrity and excellence, and reaffirm our dedication to serving the public good.”

Author and ESPN writer Dan Wetzel appeared on Stephen A. Smith’s show. When asked how the investigation into Sherrone Moore’s case started, he said that it was sometime in the fall when authorities received a tip that Moore might be having an inappropriate relationship. Speculating on the future of Moore’s position, Wetzel said that a job at Michigan is a desired position as the institution has good resources.


Also Read: Michigan football's past controversies explored amid Sherrone Moore's firing

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Edited by Anuj Basak