LingLong Wei, a former graduate student at Michigan State University (MSU), is suing the school, claiming that her thyroid cancer diagnosis is directly linked to unsafe exposure to toxic chemicals during her time there from 2008 to 2011.
Wei, who was pursuing a master’s degree in horticulture, says she was regularly exposed to herbicides and pesticides — including paraquat dichloride, glyphosate, and oxyfluorfen — all of which have been associated with cancer. According to a draft lawsuit shared by her legal team, she wasn’t given adequate training or protective gear while handling these hazardous substances.
Last summer, Wei was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, which she and her lawyers describe as a “direct result” of her experiences at MSU. In a press conference held in Lansing, Wei expressed regret for not pushing back harder at the time. “Back then, when I was a student at MSU, I did speak up about my concerns, but no one listened,” she said. “I was scared because of how the department treated me. So I did not advocate strongly [enough] for my own protection, especially when I was told everything was OK and that exposure was harmless.”
The 20/20 hindsight has been painful. Wei, who is originally from China, believes the university may have dismissed her concerns under the assumption that she would soon leave the U.S. and no longer be their responsibility. “Too often, international students are overlooked because some assume they will return home after graduation, leaving their concerns unheard,” she said.
Wei also spoke about the lasting physical and emotional toll. She has a permanent scar near her throat from cancer treatment and faces uncertainty about her future ability to have children.
Her attorney, Maya Green, accused MSU of gross negligence, stating that Wei was “woefully ill-equipped” for the tasks she was assigned. “She was subjected to hazardous pesticides without proper gloves, without proper protective equipment, without proper respiratory masks, without proper training,” Green said. “Ms. Wei was thrown out there to spray these pesticides and herbicides without being protected.”
Wei is seeking $100 million in damages. “She relied on Michigan State University, she relied on her superiors, to her detriment,” Green added.
In response, MSU spokesperson Amber McCann declined to comment on the ongoing litigation but reiterated the university’s commitment to safety. “While we cannot offer comment on pending litigation, we do want to emphasize that Michigan State University prioritizes the health and safety of our entire campus community,” McCann said. “Appropriate and required training and necessary personal protective equipment is provided in compliance with applicable university policies and state and federal laws.”
