While some may take issue with the decisions I have made, I trust that everyone associated with our University will respond in a civil and respectful manner. I fully realize that my decision will not be popular in some Penn State circles, but I am certain it is the right and principled decision.
I believe we have chosen a course that both recognizes the many contributions that Joe Paterno made to the academic life of our University, while taking seriously the conclusions of the Freeh Report and the national issue of child sexual abuse. Today, as every day, our hearts go out to the victims. Rodney Erickson is right. Taking down the statue isn't only about limiting reminders of the lingering controversy, it's about doing right by the victims and survivors of Jerry Sandusky's abuse no matter what.
If he had said the statue would stay up, he'd basically be telling the abuse survivors that, while Paterno likely played an active role in keeping Sandusky free, he was still popular enough to be celebrated at the stadium, so his popularity mattered more than this small measure of accountability. And that's pretty gross. For those who want to divorce Paterno's philanthropic legacy from everything else and he had a great such legacy, one that had nothing to do with Sandusky or anyone else in athletics , the library remains untouched—as well it ought to.
That philanthropy, just like Paterno's record as a coach and just like his shortcomings as a protector of abused children, should stand. It's just that the man doesn't need a statue celebrating him anymore. Now, there is the fact that if Penn State denies Paterno's status as a benefactor, it should probably return all his donations as well—and that isn't about to happen. So there is a significant financial incentive to not taking such a high moral ground that Paterno's name comes off it.
Erickson said the decision to remove the statute but keep the Paterno name on the library is one that "both recognizes the many contributions that Joe Paterno made to the academic life of our university while taking seriously the conclusions of the Freeh Report and the national issue of child sexual abuse.
Today, as every day, our hearts go out to the victims. Many of those watching the removal stared in disbelief and at least one woman wept, while others expressed anger at the decision. She said she felt betrayed by university officials, saying they promised openness but said nothing about the decision until just before the removal work began.
Dozens later gathered to watch and listen to the sound of sawing, scraping and shoveling as white-helmeted workers behind tarpaulins removed Paterno's name and various plaques from the walls behind where the statue had stood. Shortly before midday, all that appeared to remain was the bare concrete and stone.
Much of the work was hidden by blue tarps strung across temporary chain link fences while barricades kept observers on the other side of the street. Few watching said they understood the decision and feared what kind of punishment the NCAA would pile on.
Derek Leonard, 31, a university construction project coordinator who grew up in the area, said the construction workers on the project told him it was like watching a funeral when the statue was lowered onto the truck and then rolled away.
He didn't completely agree with the decision but worried more that the NCAA would shut down the football program. Richard Hill, 67, West Chester, a Penn State alumnus, said, "If you punish the football program or Joe Paterno -- they're tied together -- this town is going to suffer. The revenue does an awful lot to keep this town viable and lively. Colby Walk, 40, who grew up in the Penn State area, wondered why an NCAA punishment was necessary, given the criminal charges, officials fired or forced out, Paterno's death and now the statue's removal.
Diane Byerly, who traveled from Harrisburg in the morning when she heard the statue was coming down, wondered if the university was trying to make a symbolic gesture in hopes of lessening the NCAA's penalty.
It's just an incredibly emotional process," he said. He was a good man. It wasn't that he was an evil person. He made a mistake. Don Van Natta Jr. He can be reached at don. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Skip to main content Skip to navigation. Paterno statue removed from outside stadium. Penn State Nittany Lions. Pittsburgh Panthers. UConn Huskies. Huskers without LB Domann for rest of season.
Nebraska Cornhuskers. UGA's Anderson turns self in, charged with rape. All rights reserved About Us. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ad Choices. Report a digital subscription issue If you are being blocked from reading Subscriber Exclusive content, first confirm you are logged in using the account with which you subscribed.
Don't settle for anything less than responsible journalism.
0コメント