Penn State Made a Mistake Yes, but We All Make Mistakes

I am a Pennsylvania girl, born and raised. Well, here goes; I must begin with the fact that I agree with and understand holding the powers that be accountable for their part in this scandal. I am aware of this cover-up’s devastating imprint on many. This issue will scar lives for years to come. I am sympathetic to the utter disgrace of these actions by those entrusted with educating our future workforce and leaders. The neglect and concealment of abuses against young people is wrong.

I am troubled that we continue to destroy the lives of many young people following newfound dreams in the wake of this storm. Leaders who denied the need to act and to protect innocent victims would never have my condonation. I find it heart-wrenching because they have taken care of that and were involved. The courts have spoken; the sinner is paying his price. Those responsible for these sins, whether by omission or blatant ignorance, have received their punishments. Joe Pa has left this life.

This last point saddens me. I suppose you could say I have mixed feelings for how they handled this situation. While Joe Pa was part of the disgrace, he was not the physical offender. He made significant contributions to the students and the future of Penn State. He was a big part of the school, becoming a unified family with strength and spirit. I don’t think he was blameless, but he suffered. We must forgive the worst sins.

It is important that we never allow them to repeat and address them, as causing innocent suffering is wrong. I find it an added disgrace to punish more young people for the fault of the older generations, errors.

Not allowing such a horrible offense to disappear is essential as it severely impacted the past, present, and future, a stain that has impacted many lives.

But we are still impacting the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of innocents that had dreams of attending Penn State. They had football dreams from the youngest of ages. They worked tirelessly to prepare for a chance to be on a football team in their college years. Now, these students who have warranted a scholarship or option to further their life goals using football or an accredited institution are in serious upheaval.

These kids deserve a chance. Losing even the smallest of financial support affected some. Sometimes, the dream of education can go away if a school's accreditation is under consideration or removed, as it may be the only school available to them. Why is it fair to make more young people suffer?

Why are we not aware that even with sins of a part, it is possible to forgive? It is important to remember, and it is necessary to heal and move on. This offense remains an issue that is damaging future lives, and it continues to be wrong.

Our God is forgiving. He is the final judge, and He has forgiven you. We can learn from Him. We must allow the future to heal in His love, and we can create a new Penn State once again with integrity. So many have come from this institution and are Christians changing the world in their daily walks. Here's to hope we allow more students to learn and grow; after all, God doesn't want us all in one place. We have work to do for Him.