Faculty Senate endorses resolution in special meeting

Faculty Senate endorses resolution in special meeting

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a special meeting Friday (Nov. 18), Penn State's University Faculty Senate endorsed a resolution on issues related to the recent charges and ongoing investigation of Jerry Sandusky and the circumstances that gave rise to the grand jury's report, as well as charges of perjury against two University officials.

The resolution, which can be read in full below, expresses sympathy and support for victims of sexual abuse and the Senate's commitment "to fostering an environment in which reports of abuse are regarded with full impartiality."

Additionally, the resolution calls for a review of all policies on reporting procedures and requests an independent special committee with a majority of members unaffiliated with the University. It also endorses President Rodney Erickson's five-point promise to the Penn State community and commits the Senate to working with the President "to restore public trust in the University."

The state attorney general's office continues its criminal investigation related to allegations of child sexual abuse by Sandusky. Additional investigations have been announced by other entities, including, among others, the U.S. Department of Education, the NCAA and a special investigatory committee assigned by the University's own Board of Trustees.

"The board is currently establishing the special committee, and safeguards will be put in place to ensure input and review from outside of the University," said board chairman Steven Garban. "The investigation will not be limited in its scope or activities. It is being commissioned to determine what failures may have occurred in policies and procedures and what must be done to make sure this never happens again. The results of the investigation will be public."

The special meeting was held in accordance with Senate bylaws, which enable the chair to convene a Senate meeting in response to a written petition of at least 50 faculty members to consider proposals. Bylaws require the petition to contain a statement of purpose and the names of five faculty members designated to meet with Senate Council. The five faculty members reviewed the issue with Senate Council on Thursday (Nov. 17).

Faculty Senate resolution
Nov. 18, 2011

Whereas, the University Faculty Senate of the Pennsylvania State University expresses its deepest sympathy and support for victims of sexual abuse;

Whereas, the University Faculty Senate of the Pennsylvania State University is committed to fostering an environment in which reports of abuse are regarded with full impartiality;

Be it resolved that, the University Faculty Senate of the Pennsylvania State University calls for review of all applicable administrative and Senate policies on reporting procedures;

Be it resolved that, the University Faculty Senate of the Pennsylvania State University requests that there be an independent special committee whose chair and the majority of whose members have never been affiliated with Penn State; and

Be it resolved that, the University Faculty Senate of the Pennsylvania State University will cooperate with the special committee, endorses the five-point statement issued by President Rodney Erickson, and commits itself to work with the President to restore public trust in the University.