Prof. Goodwin Writes on Lessons from Penn State

Professor Michele Goodwin published an article in the Chronicle of Higher Education's Brainstorm Blog. The article, entitled "2 Lessons From the Penn State Scandal," discussed the recently-released Freeh report, detailing Penn State's role in Gerald Sandusky's sexual abuse of boys and how the sports-dominated culture at Penn State played a part in the University's failure to protect these boys. This culture, which Goodwin acknowledged is not unique to Penn State, compelled both senior leadership and the Board of Trustees to prioritize "protecting its football team's reputation above all else." In light of this tragedy, Goodwin provided two lessons that should be learned and followed by other institutions hoping to avoid such tragedies: first, universities must "clarify the role and responsibility of the general counsel's office" to ensure that the long-term interests of the university come first; and second universities must "adhere to the Clery Act," a federal statute requiring colleges that receive federal financial aid to keep and disclose information about campus crimes. Had Penn State followed these suggestions, "some of Sandusky's victims might have been spared along with the university's reputation."