Posted: July 24, 2021
A new class-action lawsuit was just filed against Liberty University by 12 sexual-assault survivors, who say the evangelical school founded by Jerry Falwell has encouraged an unsafe environment that enables campus rape.
The lawsuit describes violent sexual assaults, rampant gender discrimination, and a top-down culture of silence and intimidation.
One woman was told that she would be disciplined for drinking if she reported her rape. Campus police told another plaintiff, just 15 years old, that they would arrest her for filing a false report. Her attacker went on to murder two other women.
Until he resigned in disgrace last year, Liberty was led by Jerry Falwell, Jr. The younger Falwell was known for abusing his power, silencing all dissent, and giving special treatment to male athletes. This lawsuit is a sad reminder that although Falwell is gone, the sexist and abusive culture he encouraged among Liberty's leaders remains firmly in place.
When women spoke to Jesus, he listened -- and he believed them. Christians need to do the same thing today, calling out the harm done in our name to replace it with Christ-like love and compassion.
Sign the petition:
Love thy neighbor.