Penn State University has been in full-fledged crisis management mode this week. On Wednesday, football coach Joe Paterno and university president Graham Spanier were both removed from their positions. It was an attempt to answer criticism that the university and football program did not do enough to stop assistant coach Jerry Sandusky from sexually abusing young boys on camps over a span of 15 years. Penn State’s legendary success on the football field has long been a tremendous part of the school’s identity. But now, university leaders are struggling to keep control of their sterling reputation in light of heinous allegations. Former State Department spokesperson P.J. Crowley is an expert message-shaper. He’s now part of the Penn State community as Omar Bradley chair in strategic leadership at Penn State’s Dickinson School of Law.
The World is an independent newsroom. We’re not funded by billionaires; instead, we rely on readers and listeners like you. As a listener, you’re a crucial part of our team and our global community. Your support is vital to running our nonprofit newsroom, and we can’t do this work without you. Will you support The World with a gift today? Donations made between now and Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1. Thanks for investing in our work!