From the New York Times to ESPN, Baylor University is major news since an investigation found it failed to properly handle sexual assault allegations against football players. The planned firing of head football coach Art Briles and the demotion of Ken Starr from president to chancellor occupy space on print, broadcast and online news sites alike.
And it’s big news on social media, too — including on the Facebook pages of many Baylor graduates and Waco natives who have shared their anger, dismay and prayers over what’s happening at the university. Baptist News Global obtained permission from three ministers to share their Facebook status updates as representative of comments about the scandal.
Stacy Cochran Nowell, Baylor graduate and senior pastor of First Baptist Church, Huntersville, N.C.
Stacy Nowell
Like most of my fellow alumni, I’m disgusted the cover-up happened and grateful the regents held leaders accountable. But mostly I want to scream, “Why did this happen at all?” And so many times over? How do we keep producing young men who think they can treat others like playthings? How can we raise our boys to treat women (and all people) with the dignity they deserve? Lord, have mercy on them (and us), for apparently, we know not what we do.
Amy Butler, Baylor graduate and senior minister at The Riverside Church, New York City.
Amy Butler
Thank you [to Baylor for taking the action it has so far]. Now let’s keep going to help victims and set a standard for addressing sexual violence on campuses everywhere: “We, as the governing Board of this University, offer our apologies to the many who sought help from the University. We are deeply sorry for the harm that survivors have endured,” said Ron Murff, chair-elect of the Baylor Board of Regents. “Baylor’s mission to educate men and women for worldwide leadership and service by integrating academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community remains our primary imperative. The Board has taken decisive action to ensure the University’s priorities are aligned with our unyielding commitment to that mission.”
Winn Collier, Waco native and pastor at All Souls, Charlottesville, Va.
Winn Collier
As a Wacoan who cheers for the Bears on the gridiron, it seems important to say how disgusted I am with all that has recently come to light. I don’t know where all the blame lies (and I’m sure there’s plenty to spread around), but leaving a wake of wounded women (and men) is an evil legacy, no matter how many wins you have. I don’t know what level of responsibility Briles and Starr have personally (and I hope it’s not a scapegoat situation), but I’m thankful for decisive action. I only wish it had come sooner. Waco and Baylor deserve better.