The Joe Paterno Statue Is Being Removed

Share

A decision has been made on hotly debated question as to whether the statue of Joe Paterno that stands outside of Beaver Stadium will be removed. This morning, Penn State President Rodney Erickson announced that the statue is coming down

"Coach Paterno's statue has become a source of division and an obstacle to healing in our University and beyond," Erickson said in the statement. "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."

The university's library will still bear Paterno's name, though "Paternoville" was renamed "Nittanyville" last week, and the halo removed from Paterno's image in a mural. 
Passageway to the statue has been blocked by police and construction barricades. As of 7:30 this morning, the removal work is already underway. ESPN is occasionally cutting to some footage, although a screen is around the statue site. 
Video below. 

Contact Us