"We've been criticized before, but if the faculty Senate is unhappy, how can we be expected to go on?" ex-trustee says
STATE COLLEGE - Pennsylvania State University is rudderless tonight, after all 32 trustees resigned following a faculty senate meeting. That group had decided to issue a strongly-worded statement of dismay over the handling of the Sandusky sex abuse scandal just before an emergency meeting of the board.
"We've withstood withering criticism from the Attorney General, the media, and alumni," ex-trustee John Surma said. "But to hear that the faculty is dismayed was just too much."
The faculty Senate had initially proposed a no-confidence vote, but that failed, 128-58. "That was a relief," Surma said. "I thought for sure that we'd have a few jumpers on Old Main if they'd expressed no confidence. But dismay is still like a stab in the heart."
The University President is examining the school's charter for ideas on dealing with the unprecedented situation, and no action is expected before the funeral and public memorials to former football coach Joe Paterno. But several football players, including Franco Harris, Lavar Arrington and Darryl Clarke were quoted as saying they'd be "willing to stick around a few more days to straighten things out" if needed.
Meanwhile, board members are said to be going through a deep cycle of self-examination. "Everybody wants to blame Jerry Sandusky, but apparently this whole thing is our fault," Surma admitted. "I'm just glad the faculty stepped up and called us out on it."
