This is just getting ridiculous. Long time assistant (35 years) at the University of Syracuse, Bernie Fine is being accused of child molestation. It seems that a former ball boy for the basketball team is accusing Fine of molesting him from the mid 80's, to the early 90's. The accuser stated that he informed the Syracuse athuorities of the accusations sometime around 2005, but the police said that the statute of limitations had expired.
The University said that in 2005, after being contacted by an adult male about the allegations, they did their own investigation and found that none of the witnesses the accuser said would go along with his story could recall any wrongful conduct on Fine's behalf. Fine also denied any wrong doing during the 4 month investigation. But yesterday, the university felt the need to send out the following email to students.
Message from Chancellor Cantor
November 16, 2011
SU News Services
(315) 443-3784
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
The recent child sexual abuse allegations at Penn State—a human tragedy that has played out on an immense public stage—remind us all of the responsibility we have, individually and collectively, to ensure that Syracuse University remains a safe place for every campus community member, or everyone with whom we interact on a daily basis—on campus or in the community—as part of our learning, scholarship, or work.
Our campus code of ethics and other guidelines call upon us to act and respond promptly in ways that create and sustain the most productive and supportive environment possible for all in our community. While we all must be vigilant to prevent instances of violence of any kind, today we want to provide clear direction regarding actual or suspected abuse or violence against our most vulnerable members of society—children.
Toward that end, here are specific actions to follow in reporting witnessed or suspected abuse involving a minor child (17 years of age or younger):
1. If you witness an instance of sexual or physical abuse against a child as it occurring, immediately call 911 to reach the Syracuse City Police, or the law enforcement department where you are located. If for some reason that is not possible, you can immediately contact SU’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 315-443-2224.
2. If you have not witnessed child abuse, but suspect it may be occurring at a child's home or in another setting, immediately contact New York State Child Protective Services at 1-800-342-3720. For more information you may visit the NYS-CPS website.
3. If you have concerns about other possible illegal, inappropriate, or questionable behavior, you may promptly report them to SU DPS at 315-443-2224. In addition, the University has two ways to report these type of concerns anonymously. DPS has a Silent Witness program, which allows individuals to report concerns about criminal activity. The University also has EthicsPoint, a way to anonymously report other possible inappropriate activity.
Safe, respectful, and caring communities do not develop by accident. They require an intentional commitment by all of us to take actions that ensure the well-being of one another. I urge each one of us to embrace that commitment, and work vigilantly to safeguard the health and safety of our entire campus community and those with whom we interact with in our extended communities.
Sincerely,
Nancy Cantor
This shows me that the university expected this story to come out at some point. Now, it must be stressed, that as of right now, Fine is just being ACCUSED of these things, and is NOT in no way being announced as guilty. It is still under investigation. I for one hope this isn't true, not for Fine's sake, or even that of the university, but for the sake of HUMANITY. Hasn't the Penn State debacle sickened us enough? We should not have to worry about adults taking advantage of children in this manner.
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