Truett McConnell University (TMU) alumni are planning prayer meetings and a protest this week in the wake of a
sex scandal
that has rocked the small Christian college in Cleveland.
On Thursday night, June 5, a prayer and worship event will occur at 5 p.m. at the
Yonah Mountain Campground Clubhouse
at 3678 Helen Highway in Cleveland.
The following morning, Friday, June 6, alumni, students, and community members will gather for a “Stand-In for Accountability” protest march. Timed to coincide with a scheduled 10 a.m. meeting of TMU’s Board of Trustees, marchers will gather at 9 a.m. in the parking lot across the street from the college. From there, they plan to walk to O’Dell Hall, formerly the Cleveland Worship Center, and peacefully demonstrate outside the building as the Board meets.
Those participating in the Stand-In are urged to bring appropriate signs, water, snacks, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. According to the event’s
Facebook page
, public parking will be available across the street from the college at the White County DFACS office at 970 East Kytle Street in Cleveland.
Calls for action
Organizers are pushing for accountability in light of allegations that TMU’s former Vice President of Academic Affairs, Bradley Reynolds, groomed and sexually abused a former student, and that school officials covered it up. They are seeking “immediate disciplinary and legal action against any individual, regardless of position, found to have committed abuse, contributed to a cover-up, or failed to act on credible reports of abuse.”
Event organizers are also demanding a full investigation into the university’s upper administration and an independent review of TMU’s response to sexual abuse reports.
According to
allegations made by Hayle Swinson
, Reynolds initiated one-on-one “discipleship” meetings with her at his residence. These meetings allegedly progressed from inappropriate physical contact during prayer sessions to sexual assault, including rape. Swinson claims the abuse began in 2013 and lasted until 2017.
The White County Sheriff’s Office investigated the claims. Investigators determined there was a long-standing relationship between Reynolds and Swinson, but concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring charges. However, Now Habersham has learned that the District Attorney is now reviewing the case for possible prosecution.
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District Attorney opens door to possible prosecution in Truett McConnell sex scandal
