Penn State York is investigating a video that allegedly shows advisory board member Jonathan Spanos using racial slurs during a dispute. The video, which was posted on social media, appears to show Spanos using slurs multiple times and stating that he is a racist. The incident is believed to have occurred during a road rage incident, according to York Dispatch.
In response to the video, Penn State York issued a statement saying that "hateful language" has "no place" in the community and that the "appropriate offices" have been notified. The university also stated that it was "looking into this matter with urgency."
The York branch of the NAACP has called for Spanos to resign from his leadership roles, including the advisory board. The organization also urged Penn State York to review its advisory board members to ensure they are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Spanos, who is also the owner of The Paddock on Market restaurant in York, has not yet commented on the incident. His social media accounts and those of his restaurant were offline as of Monday.
Spanos has been a prominent figure at Penn State York. He was listed as the commencement speaker for the graduating class of 2014 and endowed a scholarship to the school named the J. Spanos Family Trustee Scholarship in honor of his family members who graduated from the university, according to CBS 21 News.