Michigan State Student Sues University for $100 Million
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LingLong Wei came to Michigan State University eager to pursue her master’s in horticulture between 2008 and 2011. Her path was academically demanding—and financially reliant on her role as a student research assistant. Yet what should have been a dream education became a nightmare.
Wei now attributes her thyroid cancer diagnosis to exposure to dangerous chemicals, which she says she handled without proper training or protective gear.
Allegations of Ignored Warnings
Wei’s lawsuit claims she and other research assistants were required to spend thousands of hours spraying herbicides and pesticides, including glyphosate, paraquat, and oxyfluorfen—substances linked by experts to cancer risk in some studies. Despite raising concerns, Wei alleges MSU denied her request for masks, gloves, or training.
During that time, she experienced shortness of breath—symptoms she said were dismissed by the university health center as anxiety.
Cancer Diagnosis and Permanent Consequences
In mid-2024, Wei received a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, the most common type of thyroid cancer. Treatment included surgery to remove her thyroid, hormone therapy, frequent medical appointments, and long-term medication.
The cancer’s side effects disrupted her life—including chronic fatigue and hormone imbalance—impacting both her career prospects and personal life, such as future pregnancy plans.
A $100 Million Lawsuit Takes Shape
Wei is demanding $100 million in compensation, seeking damages for lost wages, ongoing healthcare costs, emotional suffering, and permanent impairment. Her legal team says the university’s failure to ensure lab safety breached its responsibility to protect students.
The complaint identifies multiple MSU entities as defendants, including the Board of Trustees and the Department of Horticulture.
University Responds—but No Comment on Claims
Michigan State has declined to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit due to pending litigation. However, a spokesperson reiterated that the university follows policies requiring training and protective equipment that comply with regulations.
The statement emphasized MSU’s commitment to safety but did not address Wei’s allegations.
Broader Implications in Academia and Public Health
This case highlights critical issues—how universities handle research safety, especially with vulnerable international students, and how long it can take to link health outcomes to chemical exposure.
While experts warn that causation in individual cancer cases is difficult to prove, they also agree that prolonged pesticide exposure raises health risk, making comprehensive safety procedures non-negotiable in lab settings.
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