Former Penn State York Advisory Board member issues public apology over racist remarks

YORK, Pa. (WHTM) — A former Penn State York Advisory Board member who resigned yesterday after a video of a racist rant began circulating online earlier this week, issued a public apology today.

Jonathan Spanos, owner of the Paddock Restaurant, issued a public apology Wednesday morning after a video published on X showed Spanos repeatedly yelling the N-word and saying "I am a racist" during a roadway confrontation.

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"I was wrong for using a racist term that has caused great trauma in our country, county, and to our fellow neighbors in York," said Spanos during his apology.

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As a result of the racist rant caught on camera, Spanos resigned from his role as an advisory board member with PSU York effective Monday, November 11.

According to the Logos Academy, after Spanos had a meeting earlier this week with leaders of the Black Ministers Association, NAACP of York County, and the Confronting Racism Coalition, he decided to apologize for his remarks on the circulating video.

Spanos' public apology was also accompanied by statements from Pastor Bill Kerney, President of the Black Ministers Association of York County, and Dr. Larry Walthour, Pastor and member of the Confronting Racism Coalition of York.

"Our hope is that we can offer assistance so that Mr. Spanos and this community can begin the process of moving forward," said Kerney.

abc27 news will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

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