Liberty University, has announced it will be launching a full investigation after its President, Jerry Falwell Jr, was forced to resign.
To add insult to injury, Falwell not only left the institution his father started after sharing a photo to social media of himself and a woman with their pants unzipped, but at the same time, sensationally claimed that his wife, Becki, had been having an affair with a business associate of his.
“This past week challenged all of us to the core,” the Board of Trustees said in a statement. “While we had been willing to extend grace and understanding to Jerry Falwell, Jr. before, once the revelations about his past personal life came more fully to light, we acted swiftly and decisively to ask for his immediate resignation, which we received.
“Some may say that all the signs were there for a long time before last week. It’s certainly fair to say that there were questionable comments made, worrying behavior, and inappropriate social media posts, but all the signs were not there until the start of last week. While we still didn’t know the full scope of the matter, we have learned enough about the past to know that we had no choice but to take the leadership of Liberty University in a new direction.”
The university’s chairman, Dr. Jerry Prevo, has stepped into the role of acting President once Falwell stepped aside, pending an investigation.
“We are also committed to learning the consequences that have flowed from a lack of spiritual stewardship by our former president,” the Board stated, meaning Falwell will not be able to wander off quietly into the sunset with his reported $10.5 million pay-out.
“One of the leading forensic firms in the world has been retained by Liberty University’s Board of Trustees to conduct a thorough investigation into all facets of Liberty University operations during Jerry Falwell, Jr.’s tenure as President, including but not limited to financial, real estate, and legal matters.
“Throughout these past few weeks, we knew we were being lifted in prayer by the entire Liberty University community. For this we are especially grateful, as we know it was by the Lord’s grace that we were able to put aside emotion and make the decisions that were necessary and essential for bringing calm to the storm. We thank all those who extended prayerful support.
“Of course, moving forward, we are very mindful that we must seek leaders who demonstrate a full commitment to the spiritual mission of Liberty University by words, actions, and example. That is why, in addition to starting a search for a new president, we are also reviewing options to establish a new role in the top leadership of the University for someone who will serve as a spiritual coach, mentor, and guide to help ensure that every member of the University leadership fulfills his or her spiritual responsibility to live out the Christian walk expected of each and every one of us at Liberty.
“Lastly, we are charging Jerry Prevo to use the full range of his presidential authority to implement any changes necessary to improve the ongoing operations of the University, and to enrich the spiritual mission of Liberty University, not only for its students but also for every executive, administrator, faculty member, and the entire staff, and for a prospective new president, as well.”
As a new school year begins, Liberty has had a rough start, but it also has the opportunity to leave the checkered Falwell Jr. past behind and set itself up for a new, drama-free era.
Matthias Browning
Matthias Browning | Reporter
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