My name is Rob and I am a current alumni of the Pennsylvania State University. I figured I would take the time to sit down and post my (un-popular) views of the current stigma surrounding Penn State.
One of the trainers/assistants in Penn State's football program has been arrested and charged with molesting boys over the course of fifteen years. I speak as a member of humanity here- that even the idea of molesting a child is disgusting, deplorable, and should be harshly punished. I am sure Sandusky, the accused, will get what is coming to him through (our broken) court of law. It is wrong to violate, mistreat, and corrupt minors who should have a childhood of relative innocence. Two other high tier university officials resigned after being arrested for perjury (lying) to investigators. They allegedly knew about the molestations and failed to report anything to child protective agencies or the police.
The cultural icon that has shaped all of PSU's football programs, Joe Paterno, is also involved. He reported the matter to his superior, but did nothing further than that. Many people argue that the inaction lead to more molestations (or the possibility of), and that Joe Paterno could have done the more moral (the "right" thing). Soon after the scandals hit the media, he announced his resignation at the end of the year. The Board of Trustees didn't give him his parting wishes; Joe Paterno was fired. Graham Spanier, the former Chancellor of PSU (24 hours later, I say "former") also knew of the charges, and failed to do ANYTHING about them. The issue was kept quiet until the proverbial volcano erupted just a few days ago.
I stop short of saying that the Board is "cleaning house". I hold university officials to a high standard, and that standard was obviously breached. I applaud the board's decision to change its mind of pursuing Spanier. I have strong feelings against Spanier, but not against Paterno. I don't "dislike" Paterno; I was not involved in the football culture at University Park (I was at another campus), so I do not understand the feelings people have about PSU culture, football, or city unity in State College, PA. I was, however, involved in community culture at our satellite campus.
When any official, regardless of their cultural fame, importance, or rank ignores a moral call to do the "higher" thing and take things further for moral reasons fails to do so whether due to ignorance or defiance" needs to step down from their responsibilities as a leading educator or motivator.
This includes Jerry Sandusky (obvious), Joe Paterno, Graham Spanier, and anyone else that knew and failed to act and prevent the molestations from occurring. Doing the right thing is about removing those who had some responsibility and forfeited it.
University Park is not taking the news well. Students are upset and are currently rioting throughout State College and Old Main (University Park Campus). They are tarnishing our good name by resorting to lawlessness, caring more about their culture than their own futures, or anyone's safety. The area is currently under police martial law: if you are unlawfully protesting you are to disperse immediately.
I do not know the status of my satellite campus: but I have heard personal comments of "stunned", "shocked"and "paranoid". Some people are skipping classes throughout the PSU system. My response to that is this: you put your own future in jeopardy at your own risk, morons.
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