Resource Library
Topic: special investigations task force
Penn State takes action on many Freeh Report recommendations
Penn State officials today provided an update on the 119 recommendations made to the University in a report by the Freeh Group, noting that more than one-third of the recommendations have been completed to date.
"There has been great collaboration and cooperation across all of our departments and organizations in addressing these recommendations," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "I'm very proud of our faculty, staff and students and look forward to continued progress. I am fully confident that Penn State will emerge stronger and serve as a model of compliance for universities across the nation."
Each of the recommendations has been assigned to one or more individuals within the University administration for review, analysis and possible implementation, and each area will receive oversight and progress monitoring by one of the standing committees of the Board of Trustees. University officials have said that as they implement the Freeh recommendations, in instances where implementation is not appropriate, they will provide reasons for non-implementation. In addition, an Administrative Response Team comprising the senior vice president for Finance and Business; vice president and general counsel; and the senior vice president for administration will review any analysis, action plans and progress submitted. These same metrics will be reviewed by an advisory council that consists of a cross section of the University community, including students, faculty, administrators, deans, chancellors and staff. The council is overseen by Keith Masser, vice chair of Board.
Penn State’s July 12 press conference: Initial response to Judge Freeh’s report and investigation
Key members of Penn State's Board of Trustees and administration held a press conference on July 12, 2012 and discussed their initial response to the independent investigation of Judge Louis Freeh into all aspects of the University's actions related to child abuse allegations against former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky, and immediate next steps.
The conference, was held at the Dayton/Taylor Conference Room at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center in Scranton, Pa. The University's initial response statement on the Freeh Report can be found here: http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/story/penn-state-issues-statement-on.
Penn State issues statement on Freeh Report
July 12, 2012, SCRANTON, PA - Today’s comprehensive report is sad and sobering in that it concludes that at the moment of truth, people in positions of authority and responsibility did not put the welfare of children first. The Board of Trustees, as the group that has paramount accountability for overseeing and ensuring the proper functioning and governance of the University, accepts full responsibility for the failures that occurred. The Board, in cooperation with the Administration, will take every action to ensure that events like these never happen again in our university community.
The focus of all of our actions going forward will be on driving a culture of honesty, integrity, responsible leadership and accountability at all levels and within all units of our institution.
Judge Freeh's report concludes that certain people at the University who were in a position to protect children or confront the predator failed to do so. There can be no ambiguity about that. The defenseless victims and their families are at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. We are deeply sorry for the failure to protect these vulnerable young boys from the pain and anguish they suffered. At the same time, we are filled with admiration for the bravery shown by the young men and their families who came forward to ensure that justice will be done.
Freeh Report to be published July 12
Judge Freeh has just announced he will release the findings of his investigation online at 9 a.m. EDT on Thursday, July 12 on www.TheFreehReportonPSU.com.
We look forward to seeing the report on Thursday and reviewing Judge Freeh's recommendations. The University will provide a response in Scranton on Thursday at a time and location to be announced.
Penn State media statement: June 12, 2012
The University has responded to several subpoenas and gathered documents from many sources across the institution. As soon as any relevant documents were discovered, the University immediately provided them to the office of the Attorney General and the Freeh Group. Out of respect for the ongoing legal process, the University cannot discuss specific information as it pertains to these issues.