Penn State board warned of negative impact of sexual misconduct, briefed on new initiative

An administrator who led a task force that recommended Penn State change how it handles sexual assault and misconduct says allegations about a fraternity's secret Facebook page shows the need for school trustees to continue work on those issues.

Vice president for student affairs Damon Sims told the board at a meeting in Hershey on Friday that there may be no more high profile or incendiary issue in higher education today than sexual misconduct.

He says that's illustrated by news this week that police are investigating the Penn State chapter of Kappa Delta Rho over online postings of nude or semi-naked women asleep or passed out.

Sims says the investigation echoes themes schools are encountering nationally. He's warning the board about how sexual misconduct can damage the lives of students.