BJU reinstates GRACE investigation

Bob Jones University administrators announced today they will reinstate the review into the school’s response to sexual abuse, apologizing for any anxiety the temporary suspension might have caused.

On Jan. 27, school officials terminated their agreement with the Christian group GRACE (an acronym for Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), hired in November 2012 to conduct an independent review of how the Christian university has responded to victims of sexual abuse. Although administrators didn’t give details about why they chose to suspend their relationship with GRACE, which was in the final stages of its review, they said they had concerns about how GRACE was conducting its work.

After a meeting last week, administrators feel confident enough to let the work continue, according to a news release.

“GRACE satisfactorily addressed the university’s concerns, and Bob Jones University is confident the review can be completed in a timely and professional manner,” the announcement states. “To be clear, GRACE and BJU are united in their commitment to a review that is thorough, transparent, and objective.”

BJU spokesman Randy Page said previously the school would complete the project, either with GRACE or another independent organization.

During its year-long review, GRACE collected information through a confidential, online survey, and conducted in-person interviews of students and former students who reported they had been sexually abused at some point in their lives. The final report was due out in March.