Divided Penn State Trustees Set Aside Report Critical of School's Handling of Sandusky Case
By Jim Melwert
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. (CBS) -- Penn State University's board of trustees today voted down a proposal that would have taken a closer -- and likely critical -- look at the Freeh Report, the 2012 investigation that examined how the university handled the Jerry Sandusky child molestation scandal.
The proposal would have created a committee to take an in-depth look at the report but was voted down, 17-9, following heated debate.
The proposal was introduced by alumni trustee Al Lord, who says that although some people feel that the report is in the past and the school should move on, "My view is that the results of the Freeh report, including the NCAA's consent decree, live on."
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The report, based on a probe headed by former FBI director Louis Freeh, was highly critical of Penn State's handling of Sandusky, his crimes, and their aftermath.
Fellow alumni trustee Alice Pope (below) argued in favor of reviewing the report, saying she thinks it has conclusions not supported by evidence.
"Our (school) culture was blamed for the victimization of children -- it was said we value football over human decency," she said.
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But trustee Rick Dandrea (below) said that while he understands the concerns about some conclusions in the Freeh Report, "(trustee) Bill (Oldsey) said now is the time to comprehensively evaluate the Freeh conclusions -- the Freeh Report. The problem is we cannot do that. Like Judge Freeh," he continued, "an ad hoc committee of the board would not have subpoena power. Like Judge Freeh, an ad hoc committee of the board would not have access to key witnesses for purposes of interviews."
Deandrea concluded, "Until these legal proceedings are substantially concluded, we could not achieve the objective Bill sets out."
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A separate resolution did pass, saying that the board of trustees will monitor legal proceedings and to take appropriate actions at their conclusion.
Penn State is currently under NCAA sanctions regarding its football program. Some of those sanctions have been modified since their were first announced.