Governor Ed Rendell was in the Poconos Thursday to talk about tuition relief but his visit was interrupted by hundreds of student protestors.
The protestors converged on an invitation-only speech from the governor at East Stroudsburg University.
Some were representing the Scranton State School for the Deaf while most were ESU students angry over what they call an alleged coverup from the college administration involving a recent lawsuit against the school and a former employee accused of inappropriately touching students.
"Though they are only allegations right now the university hasn't addressed our student body at all and we feel we deserve an answer and that they should address the issues that have happened here," said senior Joseph Caviston.
When the governor arrived he addressed both groups.
"These are serious allegations and you have a right to know why this was allowed to go on. Did the university know about it, did they fail to take action? Those are all questions that are very relevant," the governor said.
Rendell said an investigation into the allegations is pending.
As for the school for the deaf the governor said there other options to closure to be considered.
"What we are trying to do with the students from Scranton State School for the Deaf is either offer them options of going to the private schools that are excellent and have better academic performance records or secondly have the I.U.s, the intermediate units of the school's systems create a school here in Scranton," Rendell said.
However Dr. Jefrey Weber, an ESU professor and chairman of the state advisory for the deaf and hearing impaired said the governor's options would be more expensive than simply funding the school itself.
"He's playing political games with deaf children and youth and that is absolutely abhorant and should not be done," Dr. Weber stated.
The governor's visit to ESU was to discuss tuition relief for Pennsylvania college students.
The protestors converged on an invitation-only speech from the governor at East Stroudsburg University.
Some were representing the Scranton State School for the Deaf while most were ESU students angry over what they call an alleged coverup from the college administration involving a recent lawsuit against the school and a former employee accused of inappropriately touching students.
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When the governor arrived he addressed both groups.
"These are serious allegations and you have a right to know why this was allowed to go on. Did the university know about it, did they fail to take action? Those are all questions that are very relevant," the governor said.
Rendell said an investigation into the allegations is pending.
As for the school for the deaf the governor said there other options to closure to be considered.
"What we are trying to do with the students from Scranton State School for the Deaf is either offer them options of going to the private schools that are excellent and have better academic performance records or secondly have the I.U.s, the intermediate units of the school's systems create a school here in Scranton," Rendell said.
However Dr. Jefrey Weber, an ESU professor and chairman of the state advisory for the deaf and hearing impaired said the governor's options would be more expensive than simply funding the school itself.
"He's playing political games with deaf children and youth and that is absolutely abhorant and should not be done," Dr. Weber stated.
The governor's visit to ESU was to discuss tuition relief for Pennsylvania college students.
