The situation described in this New York Times article is yet another example of where leaders need to be held accountable for not dealing with abuse in the first instance. Leaders everywhere should be reviewing what they knew, and what they did about it. Coming clean on it before it is exposed in the media is a less risky proposition for them and the organizations they are responsible for. Governing boards must start taking heed and challenge management on whether their organizations are in a ‘at risk’ position.
Michigan State University recently was nailed with a $500 million fine, which taxpayers are on the hook for. If similar negligence, corruption and abuse, as alleged at the University of Southern California, and any other universities, are proven to be true, taxpayers could be on the hook for equally substantial fines.