Educational Media Reviews Online

Most people across the country were not aware of what was going on behind the scenes of the Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal that made headlines across the nation. This documentary describes the event that took place at Pennsylvania State University in November of 2011. Jerry Sandusky, the defensive coordinator for the school’s football program was charged with 40 counts of child sexual abuse. Reminiscent of the Catholic priest sex scandal, the issue of mandated reporting and holding people accountable for the safety and well-being of children is addressed in this film. The people who were impacted the most by the scandal are interviewed throughout the film; offering first-hand accounts of how their lives were changed. Joe Paterno’s (former head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1966 to 2011) family, along with Jerry Sandusky’s adopted son, endured life changing ordeals. Child sexual abuse (pedophilia) is a disturbing issue to address, but it must be dealt with. People who we rely on to take care of our children must exercise extreme vigilance when it comes to the matter of child safety. This film gives viewers an eye-opening yet disturbing look at how the scandal impacted Penn State University and the village of State College, Pennsylvania, also known as Happy Valley. Penn State’s college football program is the cornerstone of life for all who are attached to the school. Viewers will admire the strength and courage that it took for the community to recover. This film can be used as an educational resource that will complement the collection of academic libraries that support criminal justice, psychology, social sciences, and sociology.

Awards

• 2014 Sarasota Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature