At a news conference, Mr. Erickson did not answer directly when asked if there had been excessive reverence for the football program. "It's been an important part of student life; it's been an important part of alumni life," he said.
Karen B. Peetz, a trustee for two years and the chairwoman of the board since January, was asked if Mr. Paterno should still be venerated on campus.
"The whole topic of Joe Paterno being honored or not being honored is a very sensitive topic," she said. "This is something that will continue to be discussed with the entire university community."
