The new interim president of Penn State Univeristy, Rodney Erickson, stated that “in the future, Penn State would not only do what is required under the law, but we will do what is right.” I believe that he made this statement to establish expectations that his employees should display ethics as well as follow the law. In other words, just following what the law requires is not enough, but under his leadership, he expects his staff to do what is right. I agree with his statement. As leaders, we need to establish a culture of values and ethics. Sure we should follow the laws established, but is that all we should be expected to do or should we strive for more?
As a leader in an educational organization, I believe we should do everything we can to protect students. We are all some of the students have to protect them. Therefore, I always tell my staff that I expect them to do for the students what they would expect someone to do for their own children.
Therefore, I believe what the law requires is the minimum not the maximum.
