Resource Library
Topic: the freeh report
More progress made by Penn State on completion of Freeh recommendations
Penn State released today (May 9) another signpost in its ongoing quest to meet most of the 119 recommendations spelled out in the Freeh Report, a document created in the aftermath of the child sexual abuse committed by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
The recommendations in the report, which identify ways to improve Penn State’s responses in the areas of safety and governance, have been followed carefully by University administrators and members of the Board of Trustees who continue to evaluate and review all areas of the University identified in the report as having some need for improvement. Penn State has already changed or implemented numerous administrative policies and procedures; hired new safety and compliance personnel; restructured the governance of its Board of Trustees; expanded its Office of Human Resources; implemented background checks; expanded legal and risk reporting protocols; and a host of other initiatives all aimed at enhancing operations at the University.
For a complete status update on actions taken, visit http://progress.psu.edu/assets/content/FreehReportUpdateMay2013.pdf.
The Freeh Report was produced by independent law firm Freeh, Sporkin & Sullivan, which was hired in November 2011 and investigated the University's response to the allegations against Sandusky. The group was led by former FBI director and federal Judge Louis Freeh.
University response to Mitchell appointment
The University released the following statement today regarding the recent Mitchell appointment:
We look forward to working with former Maine Senator, George Mitchell, who will coordinate with the University, including the Athletics Department, to ensure that the University complies the terms of the Athletics’ Integrity Agreement. His extensive experience on the boards of major companies, such as Xerox, Fedex, Staples and Disney, and deep understanding of the sports industry, make him uniquely qualified for this position. University representatives hope to meet with Senator Mitchell soon to discuss how we will work together.
A message from President Rodney Erickson to the University community
Penn State President Rodney Erickson sent a message to students, faculty, staff and alumni today (July 16) as the University community continues to digest the 267-page Freeh Report. Here is the message he sent:
Moving forward from the Freeh Report
Dear University Community:
As we all can attest, it has been a heart-wrenching and difficult eight months since we first learned of the charges against Jerry Sandusky and top-level Penn State officials. With the release Thursday of the investigative report by Judge Louis Freeh, the last several days have taken an additional toll.
My heart remains heavy for the victims of this tragedy, which has been a sobering reminder of what can occur when we fail to protect society's weakest and most vulnerable. As one learned scholar so aptly said, "All that's necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing."
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.