STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Penn State has instituted a new policy requiring all employees to report suspected child abuse to state authorities.
The policy announced Thursday also requires annual training for any staffer in a position to report abuse.
A school spokeswoman says the policy goes beyond current Pennsylvania law, which requires only certain people to make such reports.
The university says the policy is part of its effort to become a leader in the protection of children.
The announcement comes days before opening statements in the child sexual abuse trial of former Penn State assistant football coach Jerry Sandusky. He’s accused of molesting 10 boys but denies the allegations.
In April, Penn State announced a similar training program for employees who work with minors on campus in recognizing and reporting abuse.
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