To the Bob Jones University Executive Committee:
As graduates in good standing, we hold fond memories of our years at Bob Jones University. There we met our dearest and now oldest friends, we gleaned wisdom from our sacrificial teachers, and we learned life lessons that continue to serve us well. We are forever thankful.
When Stephen Jones decided to submit to a comprehensive investigation with Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment (G.R.A.C.E.), we were optimistic. Perhaps this wasn’t his father’s BJU. Perhaps a new era had come. While many of us did not experience abuse at BJU, too many of us did. An in-depth look at past abuses is necessary for BJU. Our alma mater must look at its past actions and make amends in order to guarantee a better future. It is time. We prayed for the investigators, for Bob Jones University, and for our friends being interviewed.
Our best hopes were dashed, however, when G.R.A.C.E. announced on February 6, 2013, that Stephen Jones had ended its contract with G.R.A.C.E. two weeks prior in order to forge a new agreement. G.R.A.C.E., not BJU, had to break the news to us. BJU’s actions are illogical at best, and its explanation for firing G.R.A.C.E. is too ambiguous to be satisfying. Their reasons are still unstated and this leaves the people who interviewed and their classmates confused.
Bob Jones University’s unfortunate actions only bolster the critics’ claims that our alma mater has something to hide. Going with a third party is impossible at this point. The interviewees have done their part with the G.R.A.C.E. investigation. A second investigation with another party would not garner the trust that G.R.A.C.E has established with those who participated. If BJU wishes to maintain its Christian testimony and its ministry, it must see the G.R.A.C.E. investigation through to completion.
When we graduated from Bob Jones University, we alumni pledged that if BJU ever strayed from the Bible or lowered its standards, we would return to shut it down. We remember that vow.
Sincerely,
Brian D. Hambrick, BSN Class ’97
Sharon Hambrick, M.A. 1981, BJUP staff member, 1992-1997, author of 11 BJUP children’s books
Daniel Keller, BJA Class of ’77
Jennifer Lee, MS Class of ’00
Matt Lee, BA Class of ’00
Phil Lehman, BM Class of ’87
Paul Mills, BA Class of ’00
David Phillips, BS Class of ’93
BJU Fired G.R.A.C.E. 