Pastor Questions Bju Decision in Youtube Video

WYFF
February 21, 2014

http://www.wyff4.com/news/local-news/greenville-news/pastor-questions-bju-decision-in-youtube-video/24608482

An Upstate pastor is taking Bob Jones University to task for its decision to terminate an investigation into campus sex abuse.

There is outrage among some former students of Bob Jones University who say they were sexually assaulted on campus.

Pastor Ryan Ferguson, of North Hills Community Church in Greenville, uploaded a 20 minute video to YouTube, calling BJU’s termination of the GRACE Investigation “harmful to survivors of abuse.”

"You do not take responsibility in your communication about the past,” Ferguson said in the video. “Stated differently, you do not talk transparently."

Ferguson told WYFF News 4 Investigates he believes the university has failed to provide a clear explanation of why the investigation was terminated.

“The content of what they have said with confusing, contradictory items has caused confusion. It’s caused hurt. It’s caused harm,” Ferguson said.

In his video, Ferguson provides several examples of how Bob Jones University’s communications about the matter are “destructive” to sexual abuse victims.

“It sounds like legal-speak. It is my opinion that even your greatest critics would be stunned by a simple and forward statement of responsibility,” Ferguson said.

Bob Jones University had no comment on Ferguson’s YouTube video. Spokesman Randy Page said it would be inappropriate to comment since BJU and GRACE are continuing to hold negotiations.

Ferguson’s video titled “Open letter to Bob Jones University” received more than 7,000 views in the first day.