Jay Paterno is a newly elected member for the Board of Trustees with Penn State and said he recognizes the challenges the University faces, including the case with Beta Theta Pi.
As details emerge from the grand jury report, highlighting hazing and alcohol abuse that lead to the death of Timothy Piazza, Paterno said it’s not time to jump to conclusions for the fate of the 18 fraternity members facing charges.
“It’s tragic that a young man has died but we’ve got to make sure that the University and the legal system, the legal process, has a chance to play out,” Paterno said.
Paterno, who will begin a three year term as trustee on July 1st, said while the future of Greek life remains unclear, it’s crucial to look at other ways it impacts the University
“I think it still has a place here, there’s no question. When you look at a lot of the good things that come out of the Greek system like THON and a lot of philanthropic things and its role in terms of social network for people to come here to Penn State. We’ve got to talk about that,” Paterno said.
But he recognizes this case will impact decisions he and his fellow board members will make for years to come.
“You’ve got to look at it, you’ve got to evaluate it, you got to make sure something like this cannot happen again. And not just here, but anywhere,” Paterno said.