University of Minnesota Trying to Learn From Penn State

It was very good to read that the officials at the University of Minnesota are taking the time to look over the situation of the Penn State scandal and seeing what they can learn from it. Of note is that they are looking specifically at the way children are dealt with on campus.

With Athletics and other activities at the campus, it is clear that there is a draw for children. It can be an honor to attend an event that takes place there. It will involve parents dropping their children off or allowing them to go off with whomever is in charge.

The problem is that it does provide the access and trust factor that can lead to the abuse of these children. It is just the type of situation that pedophiles take advantage of. The Minneapolis Tribune reported that:

U President Eric Kaler announced Thursday that he is appointing a committee to craft a policy on protecting children on the U's campuses.

However, he told the Board of Regents that while the university must be vigilant, no dramatic changes are needed. While the two universities have much in common, Kaler said, "I assure you we are in a very different place."

He said that the university meets nearly all recommendations in an independent report by former FBI Director Louis Freeh, who was hired by Penn State trustees to analyze the institution's failure to report sexual assaults by former assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky.

I hope that every University in the county is doing the same thing.

Abuse of children and the continued silence by the offenders needs to be prevented. If you suffered, saw, or suspected such events, it is important to know that there is help out there.