A fine can be paid off but reputation issues like this could stick forever
This week federal investigators determined that Penn State should pay nearly $2.4 million for a series of violations of campus safety laws related to the Sandusky scandal. The fines are a result of the lengthy and just-concluded probe into the circumstances surrounding Sandusky’s sexual abuse of several victims, which found at least 11 incidents of noncompliance with federal laws requiring that crimes on college campuses be reported.
“For colleges and universities to be safe spaces for learning and self-development, institutions must ensure student safety — a part of which is being transparent about incidents on their campuses. Disclosing this information is the law. When we determine that an institution is not upholding this obligation, then there must be consequences.” — Ted Mitchell, U.S. Under Secretary of Education
Of course, for a school whose head football coach alone pulls in an estimated salary of $4 million per year, $2.4 million won’t be crippling. What it really serves as is a reminder of the crimes that were committed, and the appalling coverup that was perpetrated by many at Penn State. And, of course, it will bring another round of negative media coverage for the institution, spooking stakeholders as they’re reminded of the many mistakes made.
The takeaway here is that (often deservedly) major mistakes don’t go away quickly. With how egregious the offenses were in this case they will likely be a part of any conversation regarding Penn State for many years to come, and that — more than any fine — is likely to act as a deterrent.
Erik Bernstein
www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com