Penn State University has been levied a $2.4 million fine due to “numerous violations” regarding convicted pedophile and former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky and the school’s failure to report the crimes.
PennLive.com reports the fine is the largest ever under the federal Clery Act. The fine is the result of 11 serious findings against Penn State of noncompliance towards the act after the school acted as an accomplice in Sandusky’s crimes. The 239-page report reviews a period from 1998-2011.
Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers issued a statement, vowing that the university is taking steps towards making campus a safer place.
“While regrettably we cannot change the past, today the university has been recognized for significantly strengthening our programs since 2011,” Powers said. “The safety and security of our university community is a top priority and we are dedicated to full compliance with the Clery Act and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act.”
The fine was directed towards the university, and not towards the athletics department or football program.
Hopefully, the fine is one of the last chapters in the repulsive cover up of sexual abuse at Penn State. If all the penalties and fines won’t open the school’s eyes, nothing will. Penn State needs to ensure nothing on this scale (or any scale) happens again. Continued compliance under the Clery Act will help steer the school in the appropriate direction.
