Has Penn State reached a point in history at which it dishonors our legitimate heroes?

The report that the Penn State trustees refused a long-honored out-of-town alumnus an opportunity to speak on the technicality that he had not registered in advance is absurd.

Surely, common courtesy allows for sensible or strategic exception. Would Penn State refuse a financial contribution from Franco Harris because he did not send advance notice? Have they refused his gifts in the past?

It is certain, of course, that the board of trustees knew in advance that Harris objected to their premature conclusions based on the Freeh report — that he would address that view. However, given that only three minutes were to be allowed, was asking for that too much?

The board knew in advance that Harris has earned his right to speak, not only because he represents the viewpoint of many, but also because his is the voice of one of Penn State’s legendary alumni, not only a member of football’s Hall of Fame, but a person of a well-earned high civic reputation.

Surely, there must be some avenue in which the board will bring honor on its actions, but muzzling the voice of a Penn State hero is no example of either thoughtful or decent behavior.

The absence of words sometimes tells a significant story.

Walton Cook Boalsburg