Penn State President: Joe Paterno Statue Removed

After many rumors, Penn State President Rodney Erickson issued a statement on his decision on the fate of Joe Paterno’s statue and name association with the campus library.

I now believe that, contrary to its original intention, Coach Paterno’s statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our University and beyond. For that reason, I have decided that it is in the best interest of our university and public safety to remove the statue and store it in a secure location. I believe that, were it to remain, the statue will be a recurring wound to the multitude of individuals across the nation and beyond who have been the victims of child abuse.

On the other hand, the Paterno Library symbolizes the substantial and lasting contributions to the academic life and educational excellence that the Paterno family has made to Penn State University. The library remains a tribute to Joe and Sue Paterno’s commitment to Penn State’s student body and academic success, and it highlights the positive impacts Coach Paterno had on the University. Thus I feel strongly that the library’s name should remain unchanged.

This is the right move. The statue had to come down and the library is a way to keep some of the Joe Pa apologist happy. Check out the video of the statue being removed by a forklift and with a blanket covering it.

I wonder if they will store the statue in the showers? Too soon?

Source: [Penn State]