Greenville, S.C. (February 25, 2014) – Bob Jones University today announced that it has reached agreement with GRACE to complete the independent review of the University’s response to sexual and other abuse. The independent review was initiated by the University in response to a series of national news stories about abuse at other institutions. The purpose of the review was to assess past responses by the University in support of victims and identify policies and procedures that could be enhanced.
Bob Jones University suspended the review on January 27, 2014. Bob Jones University met with GRACE on February 18-19, 2014, to discuss any issues that might stand in the way of GRACE’s completion of a thorough, transparent and objective review. GRACE satisfactorily addressed the University’s concerns and Bob Jones University is confident the review can be completed in a timely and professional manner. To be clear, GRACE and BJU are united in their commitment to a review that is thorough, transparent and objective. As the process moves forward, regular updates will be provided.
BJU appreciates our former students and others who participated in the review with GRACE. They demonstrated great courage to share their stories in an effort to help us improve. We appreciate how important this review is to everyone who cares about the University and we apologize for the added anxiety caused by the temporary suspension of the review.
Video Recording of Announcement to BJU Students, Faculty and Staff
Marshall Franklin, Executive Vice President of Operations at Bob Jones University, announced to the BJU faculty, staff and students today (Tues., Feb. 25) that the University is reinstating GRACE to complete the independent review of the University’s response to reports of sexual abuse initiated in November 2012.
BJU appreciates our former students who courageously participated in the project with GRACE and recounted personal and painful experiences from their past. We apologize for the pain and disappointment they suffered as we temporarily delayed the project.
Out of respect for our former students who shared their experiences with GRACE, and with an appreciation for the enormous effort that had gone into this project, officials from GRACE and Bob Jones University met recently to consider if BJU should continue the project with GRACE or restart it with another firm. After much discussion and several days of prayerful consideration, BJU concluded the best course of action was to reengage with GRACE to complete the project.
To be clear, GRACE will complete the review it started in November 2012, and the results will be shared publicly. As the process moves forward, progress updates will continue to be communicated.
