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Preview of PSU Board of Trustees Meeting

The eyes of the commonwealth will be on Centre County Friday morning for what promises to be a historic meeting of Penn State’s Board of Trustees. Usually...
psu board meeting preview

The eyes of the commonwealth will be on Centre County Friday morning for what promises to be a historic meeting of Penn State’s Board of Trustees.

Usually a low-key, back-slapping type of gathering, Friday’s meeting promises to be something altogether different, fraught with controversy, and maybe even outrage.

It’s just the latest fallout from the Sandusky sex scandal.

First came the arrest of Jerry Sandusky, then the removal of university president Graham Spanier, and then the dismissal of head football coach Joe Paterno, a decision which set off a night of rioting in State College.

Now, could Penn State’s entire Board of Trustees be the next out the door?

The Friday morning meeting will be the board’s first meeting since the Sandusky scandal broke back in November.

Alumni from across the country are reportedly heading to Centre County, many to demand the board members resign.

Alums who turned out at recent town hall meetings hosted by new Penn State President Rodney Erickson echoed the sentiment that the board has lost the backing of many in Nittany Nation.

“I personally call for the alumni in this room and across the country to send a message to the board letting them know that we do not have confidence in their ability to meet their obligations,” said one alum at the past meeting.

Even football legend Franco Harris, Penn State class of 1972 joined the chorus calling for the board members to resign.

Many it seems are outraged over the board’s decision to fire Paterno even though investigators said the long-time coach broke no laws.

After the firing, one trustee, Keith Eckel, a farmer from Lackawanna County explained why the board decided to give Paterno his pink slip.

Coach Paterno was the leader of the football program, the best answer I have for that question is his own words, he wished he did more. The board of trustees expected more,” said Eckel in November.

Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting is set for 10:15 a.m. at the Nittany Inn on campus and Newswatch 16 will be there.

Video of the meeting will be streamed live over the internet and carried on the Pennsylvania Cable Network.

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