I just spoke with a Penn State graduate who lives here in South Carolina. She had tears in her eyes when we talked about the Freeh report.

As difficult as the revelations have been, Penn State grads should be grateful that the truth is finally out. Some justice has been done for the boys who were abused. Your grief is allayed by the dignity of having looked at the truth without flinching.

Contrast that with what has just been done here in South Carolina by The Citadel.

The Citadel has announced that it is reneging on its commitment to have an independent investigation done on the alleged cover-up of the convicted Citadel pedophile, Skip Reville.

The courage that the Penn State board of trustees showed in commissioning the Freeh report should have been an example and guide for The Citadel. Instead, the courage shown by Penn State throws the cowardice of The Citadel into stark relief.

There was a dignity in the grief expressed by my friend from Penn State. The Citadel’s action will allow residents of South Carolina, who love The Citadel as much as you all love Penn State, no dignity at all.

The Citadel’s cowardice, but our shame.

Annette Lupton Hanahan, S.C.