Jonathan Spanos, a York-based restaurateur who also served on the Penn State York advisory board, was forced to resign from his post after his racist rant was caught on a video and uploaded online. The rant was allegedly spurred by a road rage incident.
The viral video shared by the social media account YorkPaRacist on Sunday, November 10, alleged Jonathan Spanos was involved in an alleged road rage incident before he began hurling the “N-word” at a male motorist at the scene.
Trigger warning: The following video features racist language. Viewer discretion is advised.
In the video, Spanos can be heard repeatedly hurling a racist slur at the motorist as he walks toward his car. After noticing a camera recording his behavior, Spanos says “Keep videoing,” before the woman documenting the incident cuts him off, saying:
“You said the N-word on camera, that's gonna be great for you.”
The motorist, subjected to the racist slur, confronts Spanos, accusing him of being a racist, to which the Penn State York advisory board member responds by admitting:
”You’re right, I am a racist.”
It’s unclear what transpired before the person began filming the video. However, toward the end of the clip, Spanos told the male motorist, “You popped me a finger, you’re wrong. Shame on you!”
Spanos then turns toward the camera before hurling a racist slur at the woman documenting the incident.
What we know about Penn State York Advisory Board member Jonathan Spanos
The incident sparked outrage online. On Tuesday, Penn State York, in a statement to the Philadelphia Inquirer, confirmed Jonathan Spanos would no longer serve on the advisory board of the school’s York campus.
Shortly before issuing the statement, the University, in a post on X, condemned Spanos's behavior, writing:
“This hateful language has no place in our community and is not reflective of the University’s values or our desire to foster an inclusive environment. The appropriate offices at Penn State have been notified and we are looking into this matter with urgency.”
According to the publication, Jonathan Spanos, who attended Penn State York for his undergraduate and doctoral degrees, has served on the university’s advisory board since 2012.
Spanos, who was also a commencement speaker for a Penn State York 2014 graduation ceremony, was described as a Homeland Security Public Safety Information Technology Director with more than 25 years of experience in the field. Spanos is also a co-owner of The Paddock on Market, a 76-year-old seafood restaurant located in Springettsbury Township.
The incident also caught the attention of The NAACP York branch, which released a statement on Monday, condemning Spanos’ behavior. The statement read:
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“The use of this demeaning term is not only offensive but also perpetuates the systemic racism that the NAACP has fought against for over a century. It is particularly concerning when such language comes from individuals in positions of influence and authority within our educational institutions and business communities.”
Jonathan Spanos has not addressed the video or his resignation from the University.
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