This article is sensitive in nature and is not intended to indict or assume anything about anyone.  

In light of the situation at Penn State, we believe it is our duty to discuss matters that affect students who we hope are never under the same circumstances.  

We also chose not to interview any coaches, sponsors and students so no one would jump to any conclusion.   

On Nov. 4, 2011, former Penn State University football coach Jerry Sandusky was indicted on multiple accounts of child sexual abuse.  According to the jury transcript on Sandusky, several of the instances of sexual abuse happened at the school’s football facilities where Sandusky had unconditional access as Penn State’s defensive coordinator for 30 years.  Sandusky faces more than 50 charges of child sexual abuse and a jury will decide his fate.

As horrific as the allegations are against Sandusky, also as tragic is that members of the university attempted to cover up the situation which, one could argue, placed the importance of the Penn State brand, which generates close to $100 million annually according to figures submitted to the Department of Education, over the safety and welfare of the children.

The YISD 2011-2012 employee handbook defines sexual abuse in the Texas Family Code as any sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well as to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct with a child.

According to stars-elpaso.org, an average of 234,000 Americans age 12 and older are sexually assaulted each year, and two-thirds of those assaults were committed by someone known to the victim.  Therefore, it should not come as a surprise that Sandusky had contact with the children whom he met through his Second Mile organization.

According to one study by Daniel Wishnietsky, close to 18 percent of males and about 82 percent of females graduating from high school reported they had been sexually harassed by a school employee or faculty member at some point during their education.

What the numbers show is students do experience unwanted solicitations from people who are in place to help provide a safe haven.  Victims of sexual assault don’t have a stereotype. Boys and girls of any race and any age are victims.

There are several physical and emotional signs to recognize in someone who has been sexually abused.

A sexual abuse victim will not act like themselves, may appear listless, withdraw from social situations, and have mood swings ranging from crying spells to irritability, anger, agitation or anxiety. Rape trauma and flashbacks are also a common occurrence.

According to preventchildabusetexas.org, anyone having cause to believe that a child’s physical or mental health or welfare has or may be adversely affected by abuse or neglect is required by law to report such abuse to authorities. Failure to do so will result in imprisonment up to 180 days and a fine of $1,000.

Additionally, the YISD employee handbook states that a certified employee’s failure to report suspected child abuse may result in disciplinary procedures by the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for a violation of the Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

According to the YISD employee handbook, anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility under state law for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law en-forcement or to Child Protective Services (CPS).

There are precautions students can take to prevent becoming a victim.  According to an article by Ruth Kempe and Carol Haase, designating a liaison person to provide continuity between school personnel and child protective services is one way of increasing mutual understanding.

Additionally, avoiding dangerous situations — being isolated in an unfamiliar place, being outside alone at night or being without some way to contact help — can definitely reduce the risk of being caught off guard.

If a student ever feels uncomfortable around a person of authority, make sure he or she meets with that individual with someone else present.  While in a social situation, sticking with friends is a must.  The one thing a student must keep in mind is that help is always available.  The key is to understand where and how to receive assistance in compromising situations and that a student’s state of mind, body and soul is the first priority.

A student should never feel, under any circumstance, the priority of an institution should trump the care and well being of any individual.

Because of the sensitive nature of the story, Scriptoria adviser Alex Navarro contributed to this story.