Last week, I heard reports about Graham Spanier's decision not to report Jerry Sandusky's apparent sexual abuse to authorities because it wouldn't be "humane." That night, when I arrived home after a long day of work, I looked up to see Spanier's signature on my diploma. As my tweet says, I was mortified. The degree that I poured my soul into is now stained by a man who safeguarded an alleged pervert.
You can imagine my elation in discovering this, can't you?
As reports of Sandusky's trial unfold, I cringe at the testimony the victims provided in court. Hearing the gruesome details is like picking a scab from the wound that has scarred the entire lives and well-being of those sexually abused by him. I think I speak for Penn State as a community when I say I'd give anything to heal the pain, hurt, and trauma they've experienced because of this man and the Penn State staff that concealed his actions. Sure, he's innocent until proven guilty, and we'll likely find out his fate in the coming days. But 52 counts of sexual abuse? That number speaks for itself.
I have no choice but to pose a very simple, blunt question to Spanier: What the hell were you thinking?
I tried to imagine the thought process of our former University president. This is how it went in my head:
Jerry Sandusky, the Assistant Coach of our holy, untouchable football team, may have been involved in sexual actions involving children in The Second Mile? Well, that can't be right. The alumni will be pissed. We won't tell anyone... That's the humane thing to do.
(I intentionally omitted any thoughts about the victims, because clearly, he didn't consider them whatsoever.)
Penn Staters, whether through THON or any other charitable event, pledge much of themselves to the health and happiness of youth. Children have bountiful traits that we, as adults, admire: innocence, curiosity, optimism, perseverance. As someone heavily involved in THON, it blows my mind that anyone in the Penn State community would look past these adolescent qualities and permanently damage the essence of what makes children who they are as human beings.
As a student, I admired Spanier. He had a presence on Penn State's campus that I felt during no other college tour. I always wanted to test the rumored theory that he responded to every single email within 24 hours. As an RA, I sat through three rounds of his convocation address to freshmen. He was accessible, which we, as students, appreciated. He also appeared to be moral in his undertakings as president, but little did we know what was taking place behind the closed doors of his Old Main office.
When it comes to something permanently hanging on my wall, I prefer the signature of a man who is ethically sound, not one who covers the sickening actions of an accused child molester. For the sake of those who suffered, I wish I could white-out his name and take back the firm handshake we exchanged on the stage of the College of Communications graduation.
More than anything, I wish I could erase the past for the victims. Spanier's name may always tarnish my educational pride and joy, but may it be a reminder to not only myself, but to other Penn State graduates, that his lack of action only enables us to do something infinitely more positive, palpable, and life-changing for those who suffered.
A Penn Stater article featured a professor of sociology and crime, law, and justice who stated, "For every 1,000 people, you're lucky if there are two or three whistleblowers." Let's try to change that. Look at Spanier's signature as a reminder of the action they didn't take to help those abused, and may that reminder empower us to be the whistleblowers, and the ones who will do anything we can to continue striving for that health and happiness we always want for the kids.
Sandusky, Spanier, and the other leaders who did nothing for the victims: you are not Penn State. The graduates, on the other hand: we're here to do what's right, and we are Penn State.
Follow Catherine Seraphin on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CJSeraphin
Ruth Hochberger: Penn State Trial Should Be Covered as the News It Is
Matt Semino: Jerry Sandusky and the Pain of Silence
Lisa McElroy: How to Handle a Scandal
Try all you want, but Spanier is dirty. The other reaction to being bullied as a child is to become a bully as in bully your way to the top no matter what you have to do or ignore along the way. Search for "Spanierism at Oregon State University" for all the documented details.
here how our "justice" systems--forgive my frankness--"RAPES" victims all over again in court. I had a patient call me years ago, after I hadn't treated her in years, and she wanted me to testify that my notes were true and accurate regarding the flashbacks, nightmares, etc she was reliving in my office, trying to finally begin the healing process, instead of drinking and drugging them away temporarily.
I asked her this simple question: "Are you prepared to be victimized all over again, on TV, in the newspapers, etc?" not remotely attempting to squash her zeal to put her perp, her own biological brother away, of course. I NEVER heard from her again. Sad, very sad that there isn't a more expedient, safe, effective manner of putting perps away.. . . But I agree wholeheartedly; there is strength in numbers and the TRUTH can set you free, from yourself and The Devil. Unfortunately, the perps all too often remain free to keep on destroying lives. Life truly isn't fair sometimes. I'm banking on my next life, however, as being all that and more. PS: I am now a whistleblower and will remain 'til my last dying breath. Join me, and Ms. Seraphin, won't you?
Source: Notes from the Academic Underground, which includes "Spanierism at Oregon State University"
Note: A year later, Sandra Spanier had tenure and Barry Roberts Greer was fired.