Bob Jones University Scandal
- October 22, 2025
-
Sarah Miller
- Fact Checked By Our Attorneys
Bob Jones University (BJU) has faced decades of controversy from mishandling sexual abuse allegations to disputes over its policies, leadership, and even tax-exempt status. Survivors and critics accuse the university of discouraging reporting, covering up abuse, and prioritizing reputation over student safety. At the same time, BJU has been scrutinized for its battles over the university’s tax-exempt status and unpaid federal unemployment taxes.
If you or a loved one experienced abuse at Bob Jones University, you may have legal options for justice and compensation.
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Key Takeaways:
Survivors of abuse at Bob Jones University experienced both sexual abuse and institutional neglect, often being silenced or discouraged from reporting.
The university’s leadership and administrative policies prioritized reputation over student safety, creating a culture of fear and lack of accountability.
Abuse at BJU has had long-lasting impacts on survivors, including emotional trauma, mental health struggles, challenges in education and career, and difficulty trusting institutions.
BJU’s history of racially discriminatory admissions policies and battles over tax exempt status highlight a pattern of placing ideology and institutional privilege above the welfare of students.
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What Is the Bob Jones University Scandal?
Bob Jones University (BJU), located in Greenville, South Carolina, has been at the center of some of the most high-profile scandals involving American private schools and religious institutions. Over the decades, the university has faced scrutiny for its racially discriminatory admissions policies, mishandling of sexual abuse allegations, and ongoing disputes with the federal government over its tax exempt status.
At its core, the BJU scandal highlights how private schools and religious organizations can clash with federal district court rulings, congressional intent, and the concepts underlying tax exemption. While the university has long argued that its sincerely held religious beliefs justified policies like prohibiting interracial dating, both the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Supreme Court determined that such private schools’ policies were incompatible with the public benefit required for charitable organizations to maintain tax benefits.
BJU’s troubles began gaining national attention in the 1970s when the IRS announced it would revoke the school’s tax exempt status because of its racially discriminatory admissions policies and strict university dating rules. The university fought back in Bob Jones University v. United States, a landmark case where the federal government counterclaimed that granting tax exempt status to racially discriminatory educational institutions would undermine the overriding interest of eradicating racial discrimination in education.
The United States District Court and later the Supreme Court sided with the IRS, ruling that the government had the authority to deny tax benefits places that operated against established principles of equality.
Beyond the legal battles, BJU has also been plagued by internal scandals. Survivors have accused the school of covering up abuse, discouraging reports of sexual assault, and enforcing harsh disciplinary rules that silenced victims. In 2014, a final report commissioned by the university revealed widespread mishandling of sexual abuse cases, further damaging its reputation.
From disputes over federal unemployment taxes and compliance with local laws, to controversies involving past leaders such as Stephen Jones and board chairman John Lewis, the university’s history has become a case study in how private institutions struggle to balance religious doctrine with American law.
What started as a fight over interracial marriage and discriminatory admissions expanded into broader questions about the accountability of tax exempt organizations, the limits of religion clauses under the Constitution, and whether private schools can operate under discriminatory practices while benefiting from federal tax exemptions.
History of Abuse Allegations at Bob Jones University in South Carolina
While much of the national focus on Bob Jones University (BJU) has centered on its battles over tax exempt status and its racially discriminatory admissions policies, another devastating scandal has shaped the school’s reputation: the mishandling of sexual abuse allegations. For decades, students and alumni have reported experiences of sexual assault and harassment on campus, only to face institutional cover-ups, victim-blaming, and disciplinary threats when they sought help.
Reports of Sexual Assault and Harassment
Beginning in the 1980s and continuing through the 2000s, survivors began coming forward with accounts of being assaulted by fellow students, faculty, and even individuals connected to Bob Jones Academy, the university’s K–12 division. Instead of providing support, administrators often treated these cases as moral failings rather than crimes. Survivors reported being told to forgive their abusers, avoid law enforcement, and accept responsibility for “tempting” men a response deeply tied to the school’s rigid interpretation of religious doctrine.
This culture of silence reinforced BJU’s reputation as a private institution more concerned with protecting its image than protecting its students.
Investigations Into Mishandled Claims
In 2012, following mounting public pressure, BJU hired an outside organization, GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment), to investigate claims of abuse and the university’s response. The move came amid wider scrutiny of the university’s past decisions, including its controversial fight in Bob Jones University v. United States, where the Supreme Court had upheld the IRS’s authority to revoke the university’s tax exempt status for racially discriminatory policies.
Just as the federal government argued that tax benefits cannot support institutions that undermine public benefit, survivors argued that BJU’s internal policies actively harmed students.
The 2014 final report by GRACE confirmed widespread mishandling of cases. It found that administrators consistently discouraged survivors from reporting to police, failed to comply with local laws requiring mandatory reporting, and created a climate of fear. Instead of ensuring justice, leaders prioritized the school’s reputation and strict disciplinary rules.
Patterns of Silencing Survivors
Perhaps most troubling was the pattern of blaming and silencing victims. Survivors reported being told that revealing their experiences would harm the “testimony” of the university, echoing the same mentality that once justified defending its discriminatory admissions practices on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs. Students were sometimes expelled for infractions like “immorality,” even when those behaviors were the result of assault.
This silencing mirrored BJU’s broader struggles with accountability. Just as the IRS revoked the university’s tax status when it failed to align with the concepts underlying tax exemption, survivors demanded that the school be held accountable for failing to align with the basic duty of care owed to students.
Leadership and Institutional Failures
At the center of the Bob Jones University scandal lies a pattern of leadership failures that spanned multiple administrations. From Bob Jones Sr., the school’s founder, to later presidents like Bob Jones III and Stephen Jones, the university’s leadership has consistently been accused of prioritizing reputation, ideology, and control over student safety.
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Role of Past and Current University Presidents
BJU presidents played a central role in shaping both the university’s culture and its scandals. In the 1970s and 1980s, Bob Jones III defended the school’s racially discriminatory admissions policies, insisting that prohibitions on interracial dating and interracial marriage were rooted in sincerely held religious beliefs. This stance led to the landmark Supreme Court case Bob Jones University v. United States, in which the IRS officially revoked the university’s tax exempt status. The Court ruled that institutions engaging in racial discrimination cannot qualify as tax exempt organizations, no matter their religious claims.
This same defensive posture carried into the handling of university sexual abuse reports. Survivors alleged that when abuse cases were raised to school leadership, presidents and senior administrators discouraged victims from going to the police, framing such actions as damaging to the university’s “testimony.” Leadership’s loyalty to the institution’s reputation echoed their resistance to federal oversight in earlier tax disputes.
More recently, under Stephen Jones, the university commissioned the GRACE investigation into sexual abuse but abruptly terminated the review in 2013 before reinstating it after public backlash. The move reinforced perceptions that even when attempting reform, leadership placed control above accountability.
Prioritizing Reputation Over Student Safety
BJU’s leaders have often made decisions to safeguard the school’s image rather than its students. This was evident not only in how they mishandled sexual abuse reports but also in their long resistance to government oversight in matters of racial discrimination and tax exemption. The federal district court and ultimately the Supreme Court made clear that institutions cannot enjoy charitable deductions and tax benefits places if they act against overriding public interests like eradicating racial discrimination.
Similarly, by failing to create transparent reporting systems for abuse and instead silencing survivors, the university undermined the most basic protections owed to its students. Internal disciplinary rules, including harsh consequences for “immorality,” often punished victims instead of offenders.
The Culture of Fear and Lack of Accountability
Under the guidance of its presidents and board leadership, BJU cultivated a culture where questioning authority was discouraged. Survivors of sexual abuse reported being made to feel guilty, isolated, and even spiritually condemned. Faculty and staff who attempted to advocate for students risked retaliation.
This environment mirrored the same rigidity the university showed in legal battles over its university’s tax exempt status. Leaders argued that private schools policies rooted in religious doctrine should not be subject to federal control. However, as the United States court decisions emphasized, private institutions that accept tax benefits and operate as public charitable organizations carry responsibilities that cannot be avoided through theological justifications.
Impact on Students and Alumni
The scandals surrounding Bob Jones University (BJU) have left a deep and lasting impact on both its students and alumni. From the mishandling of sexual abuse allegations to the university’s controversial history of racial admissions policies and battles over tax exempt status, the consequences extend far beyond the classroom. Survivors have carried the personal burden of neglect and trauma, while alumni and the broader community have faced reputational fallout linked to the university’s leadership failures.
Emotional and Psychological Toll of Abuse and Neglect
For many survivors of abuse at Bob Jones University, the emotional scars have been lifelong. Students reported that when they came forward with allegations of sexual abuse, administrators minimized their experiences or discouraged them from seeking justice. Survivors were sometimes told to view their suffering as a test of faith, which deepened feelings of shame and guilt. This culture of silence often compounded trauma, leaving victims without proper support systems.
These experiences parallel the university’s rigid enforcement of disciplinary rules like bans on interracial dating and prohibitions against behavior deemed inconsistent with the school’s religious beliefs. Just as the Supreme Court in Bob Jones University v. United States ruled that schools engaged in racial discrimination cannot qualify for tax exemption, survivors of abuse have argued that BJU’s leadership placed institutional reputation above their safety, denying them the fundamental protections owed to students.
Lasting Effects on Education, Career, and Trust in Institutions
The effects of these scandals on education and career opportunities have been profound. Survivors of abuse often struggled with academic performance due to trauma, while the lack of institutional support made it difficult to continue their studies. Alumni have also faced challenges: association with a university tied to racially discriminatory admissions policies and the loss of its tax exempt status created reputational baggage that sometimes affected professional opportunities.
Some graduates of Bob Jones Academy and the university itself reported feeling stigmatized when employers or colleagues referenced the school’s notoriety. The final report of the GRACE investigation confirmed that the university’s approach to handling abuse had undermined trust, further fueling alumni disillusionment. For many, the scandals created a deep skepticism toward private institutions that claim religious protection while neglecting student welfare.
Public Reputation of Bob Jones University
The legacy of the scandals has significantly shaped how the public views Bob Jones University. Once known primarily as a conservative Christian institution in South Carolina, its reputation has been permanently tied to two key failures:
- Its defense of racial discrimination and subsequent fight over its tax exempt status with the Internal Revenue Code and the United States court system.
- Its repeated failures to properly address sexual abuse and create a safe environment for students.
The public perception that BJU placed ideology and control above compassion and accountability has eroded trust among potential students, families, and alumni donors. Even decades after the Bob Jones University v. United States case, which established that charitable organizations must serve the public benefit to receive tax exemption, the university’s image remains clouded by its resistance to reform.
“The scandal revealed painful truths, silenced victims, and the urgent need for accountability and justice within the institution.”
Legal Options for Survivors of Abuse at Bob Jones University
Survivors of sexual abuse at Bob Jones University (BJU) have several legal avenues to seek justice and compensation. While the university has a history of defending its policies ranging from racial admissions policies to strict interracial dating rules survivors are not without recourse. Understanding these options is essential for anyone seeking accountability from a private institution that failed to protect its students.
Civil Lawsuits Against the University
One of the most common paths for survivors is filing a civil lawsuit against BJU for negligence. These claims assert that the university breached its common law duty to provide a safe environment. Survivors may argue that administrators, including the board chairman and presidents, ignored reports of abuse, failed to implement adequate safety measures, or actively silenced victims.
Civil claims can seek compensation for damages such as:
- Therapy and counseling costs
- Medical expenses related to abuse
- Lost educational or career opportunities
- Pain and suffering resulting from trauma
Even though BJU’s tax exempt status and religious beliefs have been central to past legal battles (as seen in Bob Jones University v. United States), courts generally recognize that religion clauses do not exempt private schools from their responsibility to protect students from harm.
Title IX Claims for Mishandling Sexual Abuse
For abuse that occurred in a university program receiving federal funding, survivors may have Title IX claims. Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination, which includes the failure of schools to respond adequately to sexual harassment and assault. Although BJU is a private school with unique religious affiliations, survivors can consult legal counsel to determine whether Title IX protections apply in their cases, particularly if abuse reports were mishandled or ignored.
Legal claims under Title IX can include remedies such as:
- Policy changes to prevent future abuse
- Training for staff and administrators
- Financial compensation for victims’ losses
Compensation Survivors May Pursue
Survivors can pursue multiple forms of compensation, depending on the circumstances of the abuse and the university’s response. Common types of damages include:
- Economic damages: covering therapy, medical treatment, and lost income
- Non-economic damages: for emotional distress, humiliation, and mental health struggles
- Punitive damages: in cases where the university acted with gross negligence or intentionally ignored abuse
The final report commissioned by BJU in 2014 highlighted widespread administrative failures, reinforcing survivors’ claims that the institution did not prioritize safety. This report can serve as an important piece of evidence in civil lawsuits or other legal actions.
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Related University Abuse Scandals
The Bob Jones University scandal is part of a broader pattern of abuse allegations at universities across the United States. By understanding related cases, survivors and families can see how institutions have historically mishandled sexual abuse, and why legal recourse is possible.
Liberty University Scandal
Like BJU, Liberty University has faced scrutiny for allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Investigations revealed failures in reporting protocols and administrative mishandling of claims. Survivors reported challenges in seeking justice due to institutional policies prioritizing reputation over student safety. For more information, see our detailed page on the Liberty University Scandal.
Messiah University Scandal
Messiah University has also been under the spotlight for cases involving sexual abuse and harassment. Allegations included both student-on-student abuse and staff misconduct, along with systemic issues in handling reports. Survivors experienced delays, discouragement, and lack of transparency from university officials. Learn more on the Messiah University Scandal page.
Bennington College Scandal
At Bennington College, sexual abuse claims revealed institutional negligence and inadequate support for victims. The university faced criticism for not enforcing proper safety measures and failing to protect students from repeated offenses. Our coverage of the Bennington College Scandal provides further insight.
FAQs About Bob Jones University and Its Scandal
What was the lawsuit against Bob Jones University?
The most well-known case is Bob Jones University v. United States, in which the Supreme Court upheld the IRS’s decision to revoke the university’s tax exempt status due to its racially discriminatory admissions policies and bans on interracial dating. The Court ruled that the public benefit requirement for tax exempt organizations could not be satisfied by institutions engaging in racial discrimination, even if the policies were based on sincerely held religious beliefs. This landmark case established principles that still affect private schools, including BJU, and clarified the limits of university’s rights versus federal oversight.
Is Bob Jones University reputable?
BJU remains operational as a private institution in South Carolina, but its reputation has been deeply impacted by decades of scandals, including mishandling of sexual abuse, controversies over admissions policies, and legal battles over tax exemption. While the university continues to offer education from primary to graduate school, prospective students and families should carefully consider the institution’s history when evaluating its public charitable obligations and campus culture.
Is Bob Jones University closing?
As of now, BJU is not closing. However, the university has faced ongoing scrutiny from federal and local authorities over past policies and abuses. Past leadership controversies, including board decisions and the handling of the final report on abuse allegations, have underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in private schools.
What denomination is Bob Jones University affiliated with?
BJU is historically associated with conservative Baptist traditions. Its policies, including restrictions on interracial marriage and dating, have been defended as expressions of religious doctrine. These religious affiliations were central to prior legal debates over the school’s tax exempt status, congressional intent, and compliance with the internal revenue code.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
The Bob Jones University scandal highlights the dangers of institutional cover-ups, negligence, and a culture that prioritized reputation over student safety. Survivors of sexual abuse and misconduct deserve accountability, healing, and justice.
If you or a loved one were harmed at BJU, Legal Claim Assistant connects you with attorneys experienced in private school abuse cases, including those involving Goldsboro Christian Schools and other faith-based institutions. Our network understands the complexities of claims involving federal oversight, judicial branches, and rights of survivors under common law.
By contacting us, you can:
- Receive a free, confidential case review
- Understand potential civil or Title IX claims
- Explore options for compensation, including therapy costs, lost opportunities, and emotional damages
- Take action while preserving your legal rights and avoiding burden denial or missed deadlines
Don’t wait your rights and your healing are paramount. Contact us today for a free, confidential case review and begin your journey toward justice.
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