Michigan State University | Susan J. Demas
A former Michigan State University research assistant on Monday announced a lawsuit against the school, alleging that exposure to dangerous pesticides led to her being diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
LingLong Wei was enrolled at MSU as a graduate student between 2008 and 2011, where she pursued a master’s degree in horticulture. According to her complaint, Wei was required, as part of her research, to spray “dangerous amounts of hazardous pesticides and herbicides, including but not limited to; paraquat, glyphosate, and oxyfluorfen.”
One study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that out of 29 pesticides, 10 of them, including paraquat dichloride, glyphosate and oxyfluorfen, were associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer.
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While conducting research, Wei alleged she was not provided with personal protective equipment, nor were students offered proper training on pesticide application.
The suit accuses MSU of violating countless safety protocols and governmental regulations, causing Wei serious injuries, namely a diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma in 2024.
“Because of Michigan State University’s failures Ms. Wei required serious surgical intervention removing her thyroid and leaving a permanent disfigurement, namely a visible surgical scar,” the complaint reads.
Defendants in the suit include the university, the board of trustees, the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Department of Horticulture, and the MSU Office of International Students and Scholars, with Wei studying at the university as an international student.
Also named in the suit are Bernard Zandstra, a professor emeritus in the horticulture department, former Director of the Office for International Students and Scholars Peter Briggs and Rodney Tocco Jr. who served as a research manager for the university while Wei was attending MSU.
Wei has requested $100 million in damages accusing the university, Zandstra, Briggs and Tocco of gross negligence and all parties of negligent infliction of emotional distress.
“Let’s be clear. MSU knew these were dangerous, toxic chemicals and they had the resources to protect Ms. Wei and her fellow student research assistants. But they chose not to,” said Maya Green, one of Wei’s attorneys “Once again MSU has proven that they care more about cashing their students’ tuition checks than keeping them safe.”
University spokesperson Amber McCann said the university cannot comment on pending litigation, but emphasized that MSU prioritizes the health and safety of its entire community.
“Appropriate and required training and necessary personal protective equipment is provided in compliance with applicable university policies and state and federal laws,” McCann said.
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