Penn State's split-the-difference resolution of the Harris-Portland matter left both sides unhappy. That can be seen as a sign of Solomonic wisdom and grace. Or it can be seen as a sign of cowardice.

Regardless, we still have to ask the same questions that we've been asking for years: If you were a lesbian basketball player, would you consider going to Penn State? If you were a player on Portland's team, would you feel comfortable coming out of the closet?

If not, then what good is the University's antidiscrimination policy?

Culture is intransigent, often impervious to law.