UPDATE:
Truett McConnell University released a press release this afternoon stating its next steps amid the sexual abuse allegations levied against various school officials. All board members agreed unanimously to three proposals brought forward by Chairman Robby Foster:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
A peaceful crowd of some 25 Truett McConnell University students and alumni gathered on the Cleveland campus Friday morning to call for change at the troubled Baptist University.
The alumni, many of whom identified themselves, called for the university to relieve faculty and staff of their nondisclosure agreements so that alumnus Hayle Swinson’s allegations of sexual abuse could be thoroughly investigated.
Several of the female alumni said that they, too, had been made to feel uncomfortable by former TMU Vice President of Academic Affairs Bradley Reynolds and other TMU male faculty and staff. They reported an atmosphere of intimidation and fear at the university during their student days. In one case, a student said she was told to call the soccer coach “Daddy” and that he demanded to meet her boyfriend to see if he met with the coach’s approval.
While the students protested outside Odell Hall over the university’s conduct regarding the allegations against Reynolds, the TMU Board of Trustees met inside the building. About 150 yards separated them from the protesters as they arrived for their scheduled meeting. Many trustees ignored the students who stood on the lawn holding signs demanding change at the university. However, a few of the trustees acknowledged the protesters. They turned toward the crowd and waved. The students and alumni waved their signs and cheered in response.
A Now Haberesham reporter attempted to get into Odell Hall to interview the Trustees, but was turned away by a campus security guard who also declined to pass along a message to the Board requesting comment.
Now Habersham will have more on this story later today. Check back here for updates.
