Who Resigned from Liberty University? The Falwell Family Saga Takes a Turn
Let’s be honest, folks. When it comes to Liberty University, the Falwell name is practically synonymous with the institution itself. Jerry Falwell Jr., the son of the university’s founder, Jerry Falwell Sr., was at the helm for 13 years, and during that time, he faced more controversies than a reality TV show. Now, you might be wondering, “Who exactly resigned from Liberty University?” Well, drumroll please, it was none other than Jerry Falwell Jr. himself!
But why?
This wasn’t your typical “I’m tired of the corporate ladder” resignation. No, Jerry Jr.’s departure was a whirlwind of scandal, drama, and enough twists and turns to make a soap opera blush.
Let’s rewind the tape:
In August 2020, the Liberty University Board of Trustees decided to place Jerry Falwell Jr. on indefinite leave after a series of personal scandals came to light. These scandals involved, among other things, inappropriate behavior with a former business associate, a penchant for posting questionable content online, and some rather eyebrow-raising pictures that even the most liberal arts student would find a tad shocking.
The Big Oopsie
One of the most publicized scandals involved a photo that surfaced of Jerry Falwell Jr. with his arm around a younger woman, not his wife, while sporting a pair of very low-slung trousers. The woman in the picture was identified as Giancarlo Granda, a former business associate who, according to reports, was involved in a “quid pro quo” relationship with the Falwell family, which included a rather unorthodox agreement with Falwell Jr.’s wife, Becki.
The Fallout
The public outcry was swift and fierce. Conservative Christian circles, the very group Liberty University was founded on, were outraged. Falwell Jr. initially defended himself, claiming the photo was taken out of context, but the public wasn’t buying it.
The Resignation
On August 25th, 2020, the unthinkable happened. Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned from his position as president of Liberty University, bringing an end to his controversial reign. He also resigned from the university’s Board of Directors.
The Aftermath
After his departure, Falwell Jr. launched a defamation lawsuit against the university, claiming that they were trying to silence him. The lawsuit was eventually dropped, but the fallout from his scandals continues to this day.
The Bigger Picture
The resignation of Jerry Falwell Jr. from Liberty University sent shockwaves through the evangelical world and beyond. It raised questions about accountability and transparency within religious institutions and highlighted the complexities of navigating faith and personal scandals in the age of social media.
Did Liberty University learn from this experience?
Well, the university’s past is still catching up with them. In 2022, Liberty University settled a civil lawsuit filed by 12 women who accused the school of fostering an unsafe environment and mishandling cases of sexual assault and harassment. The women alleged that Liberty’s strict honor code made it “difficult or impossible” for students to report sexual violence.
The Clery Act and the $14 Million Fine
In 2023, Liberty University was hit with the largest fine ever levied under the federal Clery Act, which requires colleges and universities to disclose information about campus crimes. The university agreed to pay a whopping $14 million for failing to disclose information about crimes on campus.
The Takeaway
The saga of Jerry Falwell Jr. and Liberty University is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power, the fragility of reputation, and the importance of holding those in positions of authority accountable. It’s also a reminder that even institutions built on strong moral foundations can be pulled down by the actions of individuals.
So, the next time you hear someone mention Liberty University, remember the Falwells and their dramatic exit. It’s a story that’s sure to be talked about for years to come.