BJU Initial Overview

of
GRACE Report

Bob Jones University has received and initially reviewed the findings of the GRACE
Report regarding how BJU responded to reports of sexual abuse or assault over a span
of almost four decades. BJU commissioned this report as part of a larger initiative to
examine our history in counseling victims of child sexual abuse and adult sexual assault
and to ensure we provide a safer, loving environment in which students feel comfortable
seeking help.
In his chapel remarks to students, faculty and staff on Dec. 10, , BJU president Steve
Pettit expressed the Universitys sincere regret that some victims of sexual abuse and
assault mentioned in the report did not feel they received appropriate care and support
from BJU.
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. We did not live up to your
expectations. We failed to uphold and honor our own core values. We are deeply
saddened to hear that we added to the pain and suffering.
To them I would say--we have carefully listened to your voice. We take your testimony
in this report to our hearts. We intend to thoroughly review every aspect and concern
outlined in the investigation and respond appropriately.
Key Findings
After interviewing approximately 40 abuse/assault victimsa number of whom were
former BJU studentsalong with a number of BJU employees, Board members and
other individuals mentioned by victims in their interviewsGRACE issued a report with
the following key findings:

GRACE concluded BJUs faculty and staff were not adequately prepared or
trained to counsel sexual abuse or assault victims appropriately.

Some sexual abuse/assault victims reported BJU was indifferent and insensitive
to their suffering and needs and did not lovingly understand and deal with the full
impact of their abuse/assault. Some reported our classroom teaching, chapel
speakers and counseling conveyed the message to students that they needed to
move on and forgive and forget. At times counseling was perceived as
rushed and failing to recognize deep emotional trauma.

Some participants said counseling offered by the University was inadequate and
counterproductive. The report concluded that we failed our students by not
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having in place clear policies dealing with sexual abuse/assault and abuse and
neglect. Some students also said that BJU staff encouraged them not to report
their abuse/assault.

Some students stated BJU shamed and blamed victims and there was cultural
pressure to appear perfect. The victims said that by shaming and blaming
students for their abuse/assault, BJU failed to show them the love, security and
acceptance they needed. Several felt as if they were portrayed as damaged
goods because they had been previously sexually abused or assaulted.

GRACE concluded that counseling should be separated from BJUs discipline

function. A lack of confidentiality and the proximity of counseling services to
Student Life offices, which handle discipline, contributed to an atmosphere of
concern and/or fear for abuse/assault victims and other students struggling with
issues. Some said that, at times, we may have asked unnecessarily probing
questions.

Report Recommendations
The report recommends BJU take a number of specific actions to acknowledge past
shortcomings, change our counseling procedures and regain the confidence of former
students who were not satisfied with our response to their reports of abuse/assault. The
President will appoint a committee to review the findings and recommendations and
over the next 90 days.
Origin of Report
In the fall of 2011, former BJU president Stephen Jones asked the Board of Trustees to
form a committee to review the Universitys policies and procedures for handling reports
of abuse/assault and recommend needed changes or enhancements. An external
committee experienced in serving sexual abuse and assault victims was formed in early
2012, and, at their recommendation, in summer 2012, BJU instituted a new Abuse and
Neglect Policy, appointed a full-time biblical counselor to work with students who have
experienced sexual abuse or assault and began seeking an independent ombudsman
to review how BJU handles reports of abuse/assault.
In November 2012, BJU contracted with GRACE to perform the ombudsman role. BJU
had two specific objectives: first, to ensure our policies and procedures for handling
reports of sexual abuse and assault complied with the law and that we also provided a
loving, scripturally-based response to victims of abuse/assault; and secondly, to create
opportunities to communicate and reconcile with individuals who believe we did not help
them adequately when they reported their abuse to us. The review was initiated by BJU
to improve policies and procedures as well as relationships with victims, not to respond
to specific instances of abuse or assault or any known complaint.
In January 2013, GRACE and BJU promoted a link to a survey individuals could use to
communicate with GRACE. Based on survey responses, GRACE reports interviewing
116 people in 2013 and 2014, approximately 40 of whom were abuse/assault victims
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and some of whom were former BJU students. GRACE delivered a preliminary report to
BJU and announced plans to publicly release the report by mid-December 2014.
As GRACE itself stated, GRACE remained free during the entirety of the investigation
to make its own decisions without any input from BJU officials about any and all matters
relating to the investigation. What began as an independent investigation at all times
remained an independent investigation, and the terms of the original agreement were in
no way amended at any time.
Observations

The report spans approximately four decades and GRACE invited participation
from any person who has attended BJU since its inception and any friends or
families of those students. As the report notes, its findings may not adequately
reflect the impact of changes in BJUs policies and practices in the last several
years or the Universitys reply to the issues raised. (p. 28)

Of those who took the survey, GRACE identified 166 who reported personal
histories of sexual abuse as a child or sexual assault as an adult. In two-thirds of
those cases, the alleged perpetrator was not affiliated in any way with the
University.

Our understanding and approach to counseling sexual abuse victims developed

and improved over the years as more research became available and significant
progress has been made. We are committed to continue that progress.

It was never the intent of any BJU official, administrator, or faculty member to
make victims feel they were responsible or more culpable for the violence they
suffered than the abuser. The report explains, however, how some victims, given
the distress over what they had endured, could be left with that impression from
the counseling provided. Certainly, it was never intended to suggest that the
teachings of Jesus and the Scriptures in any way could ignore the sin and
criminal act of the abuser and shift the blame to the victim.

Most of the specific situations cited were drawn from individuals who, for
understandable reasons, wished to remain anonymous. For the most part, the
time frames are provided in terms of decades. Even if specific episodes could be
identified, because of our responsibilities under Title IX and FERPA, we would be
unable to comment specifically on any individual case.

GRACE is devoted to the cause of preventing sexual abuse and their

contributions are significant. All along, our hope has been that this report would
give us greater clarity and direction in addressing these important challenges.
While we have some questions regarding the processes and methodology
GRACE employed in conducting the survey and report, the report is valuable as
it identifies themes that can help us create a safer, more loving counseling
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environment. At this point BJU needs to review this report in exhaustive detail
and to understand better the process GRACE followed, along with their
recommendations.
Next Steps
In reading the report, BJU representatives were saddened and heart-broken that some
victims reported BJU failed them when they came to us for counseling and advice. We
are embarking on a course to understand and correct our mistakes and one that we
hope will encourage victims to come forward and report the violence they have
experienced with confidence that their reports will be handled with the appropriate
confidentiality and that the University will provide the help and support they need.
The president will appoint a committee to review the findings and recommendations
over the next 90 days. Bob Jones University is committed to making needed,
substantive changes to better reflect our values and show victims the love of Jesus
Christ. These changes will take deliberate thought and planning and time to implement.
We ask for patience as we work with victims and other current and former students and
take the necessary steps over the coming weeks, months and years to achieve these
goals.

Copyright 2014 Bob Jones University