Since the release of Louis Freeh's report, which found that both Penn State University leaders and Joe Paterno helped to cover up child sex abuse cases, pressure has been mounting to remove all remnants of the famed (and now disgraced) coach.
Today, it was announced that the grounds in front of Beaver Stadium, where students camp out and which has long been called "Paternoville," will be changed to "Nittanyville."
But particular pressure has been mounting for the school to remove the iconic statue of Joe Paterno which sits before the stadium. Even former Flordia State University coach, Bobby Bowden, who sits second in all-time wins behind Paterno, said that the statue needs to come down.
As of Monday, Penn State had made no decision on whether or not to remove the statue, and in response, the campus was buzzed today by a small plane carrying a banner which read: "TAKE THE STATUE DOWN OR WE WILL."
Here's a shot of the Sign from this afternoon:
While it's unknown who is behind the sign, what is clear is this: those who care more about children and justice than football will not let Penn State move on until it corrects those horrible misdeeds committed in the past.
And while there is much more that needs to be done than to remove symbols of Joe Paterno, it is still important to consider the power and importance symbols play in the ebb and flow of societies and communities.
If Joe Paterno's statue is removed, it will be one small justice achieved within a host of justices which are waiting to be actualized.
May it be torn down. Soon.
Follow me on Twitter @David_EHG.
Author's Note:
Here is a view of the statue in question: