PA - SNAP applauds decision to investigate handling of Sandusky case
We applaud Pennsylvania’s attorney general for deciding to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the handling of the Jerry Sandusky case. We are relieved that Sandusky will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars, but those who enabled and protected him must be held responsible if children are to be safe and future cover ups are to be prevented.
Like the Catholic church and the Boy Scouts, Penn State is a powerful institution with many allies. University officials clearly acted to protect their reputations rather than to protect youngsters.
We’re troubled by the comment by Randy Feathers, who supervised the investigating agents under then-Attorney General (and current governor). Feathers said Tom Corbett said “we felt like we had no shot” winning in court with just a single victim testifying against Sandusky, who “walked on water.” This may be true. But it’s prudent to dig deeper here and fully investigate this claim.
Officials could have chosen be open about even a single accusation against Sandusky. They no doubt could have done real outreach to campers, employees, and students begging them to come forward if they had any information or suspicions about Sandusky, no matter how small, old or insignificant.
Politics, football must be set aside. This investigation must focus on the truth and sending a clear message that the safety of children comes first.
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Winter Appeal 2023
To our friends,
2023 has been a long year with many ups and downs for us all. As we close out the year, we at SNAP hope that you are feeling like you are on your way to being healthy, fulfilled, and happy. This past year has brought both successes and challenges. Thanks to the support you have shown in the past, we’ve been able to celebrate the good days and weather the stormy ones. Now, we are once again asking for your support as we work to support survivors new and old as we ‘Move SNAP Forward.’
At SNAP we are proud to have hosted a very well-attended conference in August 2023. This event allowed us to gather friends, survivors, advocates, and allies for a weekend of camaraderie and connection. We were so happy to be able to welcome many first-time attendees to gather in person and are already looking forward to the next conference.
To strengthen our movement for justice, healing, and prevention, SNAP will be expanding our peer support and providing more volunteer opportunities in the coming year. Through this great work, we are ensuring survivor voices are represented as we work for significant change that will benefit children and survivors.
Right now, survivors worldwide are getting the help they need from SNAP, and more and more reach out to us daily, but we need your help to keep those programs going and get our volunteers the training they need to thrive.
Your tax-deductible gift to SNAP can help offset the cost of our important mission. If you are not in a position to contribute, you can still support us by sharing this letter with those who can. As we continue to fight for survivors across the globe, your donation or sharing the great work SNAP does will help us continue our work to protect the vulnerable, heal the wounded, and prevent abuse.
Your donation ensures SNAP will be there for those who need us more than ever!
Warmly,
Michael W. McDonnell, C.P.S.
Interim Executive Director