In episode #246, we discussed the resignation of Dr. Steve Pettit, president of Bob Jones University in South Carolina.

Pettit took office in 2014, a year after a GRACE report that revealed how the college's leadership had mishandled numerous cases of abuse that occurred both on and off campus.

Survivors claimed that in cases that took place at the school, proper authorities were not notified, and in many cases, victims in counseling at BJU were blamed for bringing the abuse on themselves.

Many people hoped that Pettit's appointment would bring about much-needed change. However, on March 31, 2023, almost nine years after taking office, Pettit resigned from BJU.

Just a few days before his resignation, he wrote a five-page letter that revealed several concerning issues about Dr. John Lewis, Chairman BJU's board of trustees.

Pettit accused Lewis of holding off-site secret meetings without informing key university leadership, adopting a posture of secrecy and hostility toward the board and the administration. He also claimed that Lewis interfered with the reporting of a sexual harassment case to the school's designated Title IX coordinator, among other things. Pettit threatened to resign if Lewis remained in office.

In a surprising turn of events, on April 6, Dr. John Lewis tendered his resignation as well.

Dr. Steve Pettit (whose official final day at BJU is May 5th) issued a statement regarding Lewis’ resignation, saying,

“Late this afternoon, I was notified that Bob Jones University Board of Trustees Chairman Dr. John Lewis has resigned from the Board of Trustees effective immediately. He has served BJU for 32 years as a board member and seven years as chairman. His desire was to honor the mission and vision of BJU and he worked tirelessly to that end. During his tenure, the University secured regional accreditation through SACSCOC and regained our tax exemption. I wish Dr. Lewis God’s best.”

The reason for Lewis’ resignation has not immediately been given – it’s also unclear whether Lewis’ resignation will affect Pettit’s decision to resign.

Regardless, it's clear that change is coming to Bob Jones University.

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