As a Penn State graduate (MPA 2001), I am saddened by Joe Paterno’s death. There is no doubt that he did a tremendous amount of good for the University, as well as many individuals. However, Joe’s death only sheds an even harsher light on many of the failed policies of and ineffective leaders at the school. They are adults, not confused teenagers. When adults see and/or know about something ethically wrong or illegal, they not only should report it, but also thoroughly follow up to ensure immediate and appropriate action is taken.

As a public relations and communications professional, I cannot understand the thinking of the previous and current leaders at PSU. What did they think would be the benefits of keeping this whole issue quiet? If they had publicly addressed the situation when it initially occurred and taken action, I believe everyone would have respected their decisions. They may not have been happy, but they would have realized it was the right thing to do.

As it is, so much of the trust and credibility that the University had built upon over the years is gone. Reputations and careers have been ruined, faith has been lost and so many doubts have been raised. What else has the school covered up or ignored? For that matter, how many other schools with strong, impressive programs have done similar things?

More than transparency in the board’s future decisions, the school needs to establish and enforce ethics policies. No programs or individuals can stand above them.