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Penn State Asks for Civility in Discussing Sandusky Scandal

UNIVERSITY PARK- The president of Penn State University sent a message to alumni and Nittany Lions supporters Friday asking them to be “civil” in th...

UNIVERSITY PARK- The president of Penn State University sent a message to alumni and Nittany Lions supporters Friday asking them to be “civil” in their discussion of the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal and the way the university handled it.

“The question is whether a lack of civility in discussing these issues will create a deeper divide, one that alters the remarkable bond that exists between all those who are a part of the Penn State community,” wrote university president Eric Barron.

Barron’s message comes on the eve of Penn State’s first home football game of the James Franklin era as the Nittany Lions head coach.  Barron was also recently hired as the university’s president. He acknowledged the scandal and how the university handled it is reason for much debate and many differing opinions.

“There are honest disagreements on fundamental issues related to whether our institution acted appropriately, how our institution handled a crisis, and whether the sanctions that resulted are appropriate,” Barron wrote. “The reasons for this disagreement are clear. Much is still left to interpretation and the issues have considerable emotional significance to us all. We are likely never to have the full story. We are equally likely never to reach consensus”

Barron says uncivil debate on the issue has broken up friendships, alienated long-time Penn State supporters and caused distress for Board of Trustee candidates.

“Respect is a core value at Penn State University. We ask you to consciously choose civility and to support those whose words and actions serve to promote respectful disagreement and thereby strengthen our community,” he wrote.

Part of the university’s handling of the Sandusky scandal including the firing of legendary coach Joe Paterno. His son Jay Paterno responded to Barron’s letter on Friday.

“Squelching dissent by labeling those we disagree with as being disrespectful or not being civil is an easy way to try to vilify those with opinions unlike our own,” wrote Paterno on his online blog. “Stating the truth is not incivility and is not disrespectful.”

 

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