A report was released today that revealed the findings of how Bob Jones University failed to respond to sexual assault victims.
According to Christianity Today, following a two-year investigation GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), hired by BJU, warned the 300-page document “contains painful disclosures by sexual abuse victims and strong language when describing the impact of the institutional responses to abuse disclosures.”
"As this historical process comes to an end, we continue to pray that the words of this report will fuel hope and healing in the lives of many as well as bring about transformational changes in the life of Bob Jones University," the GRACE committee said in a statement. "To that end, we look forward to having a front row seat at watching God work."
In advance of the reports release new BJU president Steve Pettit pledged that the university would learn from the findings during an address to students and faculty.
“On behalf of Bob Jones University, I would like to sincerely and humbly apologize to those who felt they did not receive from us genuine love, compassion, understanding, and support after suffering sexual abuse or assault,” said Pettit. “We did not live up to their expectations. We failed to uphold and honor our own core values. We are deeply saddened to hear that we added to their pain and suffering.”
GRACE interviewed some 40 victims who claim sexual abuse counseling they received at BJU over four decades was inadequate and even made them “feel responsible for the crimes against them.”
Publication date: December 11, 2014