Bob Jones U. Apologizes For Racism

S.C. School Says Culture Rather Than Biblical Teachings Led To Institutional Racist Policies

(CBS/AP)  Bob Jones University is apologizing for racist policies that included a one-time ban on interracial dating and its unwillingness to admit black students until 1971.

In a statement posted Thursday on its Web site, the fundamentalist Christian school founded in 1927 in northwestern South Carolina says its rules on race were shaped by culture instead of the Bible.

The university says president Stephen Jones decided to issue the apology because he still receives questions about the school's views on race.

In the statement, BJU said that it was founded to help young men and women cultivate a Biblical worldview, and to represent Christ and his teachings to others, "in every dimension of life.

"BJU’s history has been chiefly characterized by striving to achieve those goals; but like any human institution, we have failures as well. For almost two centuries American Christianity, including BJU in its early stages, was characterized by the segregationist ethos of American culture. Consequently, for far too long, we allowed institutional policies regarding race to be shaped more directly by that ethos than by the principles and precepts of the Scriptures. We conformed to the culture rather than provide a clear Christian counterpoint to it.

"In so doing, we failed to accurately represent the Lord and to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves. For these failures we are profoundly sorry. Though no known antagonism toward minorities or expressions of racism on a personal level have ever been tolerated on our campus, we allowed institutional policies to remain in place that were racially hurtful."

The school, which has about 5,000 students, banned interracial dating until 2000.

President George W. Bush was criticized in 2000 for a campaign speech at the school while the interracial dating ban was in place.

[pkelly79]

Mike Jones isn''t going to be happy about this school''s history.

Is this is what''s going to be happening all over the country? People and places having to continuously apologize for their pasts? Even if it''s been decades or centuries since something happened? I am sick and tired of these so-called apologizes....what good does it do? Does it make people feel all warm and cozy inside? Get over it people, yeah during America''s growing up stages, mistakes were made. JUST DEAL WITH IT and move forward instead of dwelling on the past.

[nikosk11]

Maybe they need to be reminded that Jesus was a "dark-skinned" Jew.

[megamanx1-2009]

Is this is what''''s going to be happening all over the country? People and places having to continuously apologize for their pasts? Even if it''''s been decades or centuries since something happened? I am sick and tired of these so-called apologizes....what good does it do? Does it make people feel all warm and cozy inside? Get over it people, yeah during America''''s growing up stages, mistakes were made. JUST DEAL WITH IT and move forward instead of dwelling on the past.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by mitchoncbs at 03:02 PM : Nov 21, 2008

You''re white aren''t you? I garantee it lol


Im just messing with you buddy don''t write me a scathing letter...

[dennisam01]

mitchoncbs It has not been decades GWB appeared there in 2000 and their dating policy was in effect then and that is why Bush critizied then. Google BJU and find out what other racist things have come from there about Jews, Catholics and the Pope the list is Looooooong and RECENT

[thefan08-2009]

Just deal with it. lol coming out of the mouth on a racist white person i pressume. if you know nothing about history and how it affects this country today then shut up and go play with white hood over your head. the past is the past, but the past helps mold our future, and sure there are numerous people who grew up in the 40''s, 50''s and so on who wanted to attend this school but couldnt. i am 26 and that didnt happen to me, but for those that it didnt happen to remember and its very vivid, but for some racist pig like to come out and say get over it, shows first how un-educated you are and ignorant. so like i said before go sit in the corner and play with your hood, racist ***.

[dennisam01]

isn''t it funny it is BJU that is just great

[mytoosense]

BJU, is that another name for Oral Roberts U?

Thankfully these schools will no longer be the main source of White House Staff.

[easeup-2009]

isn''''t it funny it is BJU that is just great

Posted by dennisam01 at 03:13 PM : Nov 21, 2008

I wish my wife went there! Better yet, I wish she graduated Magna *** Laude!!!

[irmcvet97]

this school just exposed its underbelly..now the liberal parasites will tear it all apart..


Posted by obamasNUTZ at 03:33 PM : Nov 21, 2008

"Liberal Parasites"? ROFLMAO Now folks THAT''s FASCISM at it''s best given that the nation, ALL it''s rights and all the struggles for rights in our nations history have been LEAD by LIBERALS. I''ll give you even or better odds this turkey has a hood and sheet in their closet!! Any takers!! LOL

[dumbnord]

Wow... all this commentary on a university and not more than one or two comments display the literary intelligence of even an elementry school education! What is the matter, did you all lose your coloring books OR your big box of Crayola crayons?

[bjcone8559]

FUNNY STUFF!!!

LOL!

Watch as more and more of these religious right wing-nut, KKK groups run for cover.

[irmcvet97]

Get over it people, yeah during America''''s growing up stages, mistakes were made. JUST DEAL WITH IT and move forward instead of dwelling on the past.

Posted by mitchoncbs at 03:02 PM : Nov 21, 2008


Who twisted the arms of these RACIST? You make it sound like they were forced to come out and admit they were trash and continued to be trash, so much so that Bush 1 caused a problem by visiting them. LOL Me thinks this sudden desire to rid themselves of their past has more to do with MONEY than it does anything else.

[frankie2fing]

this school just exposed its underbelly..now the liberal parasites will tear it all apart..
Posted by obamasNUTZ

To you, anyone who sees an injustice and a wrong is a liberal. In that respect, the ''parasites'' will (hopefully) tear it apart. This university (excuse me, I just threw up a little) has taught a perverted morality for so long it should be shut down. Conservatism, by its very nature is evil because, quite simply, it believes the old ways are the only ways. Slavery, antisemetic, anti-Catholic, etc are good things and it is a shame that these bassturd liberals ruint um. Go back and crawl under that rock you came from. Here, dont forget your rebel flag.

[flreason]

BJU cannot excuse their policies by claiming to be part of the cultural norm...their policies were a choice that they need to take responsibility for. They want to characterize all American Christians as historically guilty of their racist policies. That is not historically accurate. They steadfastly resisted integration well past the time when main line Protestant churches had affirmed equality.

Friends (Quakers) have practiced non-discrimination for most of the 350 years they have existed. They were prominent in the abolitionist movement, welcomed students of different ethnic and religious backgrounds in their schools, and were instrumental in prison and mental hospital reforms long before other denominations took up those causes. BJU needs to be historically accurate, and give credit where credit is due.

[sandy19731]

Is this is what''''s going to be happening all over the country? People and places having to continuously apologize for their pasts? Even if it''''s been decades or centuries since something happened? I am sick and tired of these so-called apologizes....what good does it do? Does it make people feel all warm and cozy inside? Get over it people, yeah during America''''s growing up stages, mistakes were made. JUST DEAL WITH IT and move forward instead of dwelling on the past.

Posted by mitchoncbs at 03:02 PM : Nov 21, 2008

If you do something bad, apologize - it''s that simple and it''s never too late. That''s what my Grandma always said.

[evian_ycnan]

Must be receiving federal funds from the White House slush Bush set up to appease the Freakvangelicals.

They shouldn`t have bothered to apologize the fund is history anyway.

[docadams3]

It''s a good thing. And it took moral courage to do this. As for dwelling on the past or other issues, the truth is that there is an impact on people and history matters. If it didn''t we wouldn''t have any identity at all. 400 years of slavery changes the way people live and think. You don''t just "get over it." Try it on for size, then say that.

[johnstergios]

We all discriminate. Like between the wall and the door so we dont walk into the wall. Your not going to discriminate?

[closethippy1]

This is the dawn of a new era. By destroying the US economically, militarily and culturally Bush has given his philosophical opponents the opportunity to rebuild the country as they desire.
It will never be the same.
Jr. and his ilk can do nothing about it but wait in their bunkers until they hear the rumbles of the liberation army surrounding them before they finish themselves off with a bullet to their heads.
Finally, the chance to wrestle the US away from the warmongers and their greedy rich friends is at hand!

[evian_ycnan]

Posted by closethippy1 at 04:33 PM : Nov 21, 2008

I like the way you think, but a few years of anarchy would be nice so we can do some necessary wet-work first.

[evian_ycnan]

When can we expect GWB to apologize for being brain dead? -- Posted by apple2pie at 04:21 PM : Nov 21, 2008

Uh...

[pvperson]

I always love when racists hide behind religion to cover their disgusting activities. Their God must be the one with the horns.

[caldwellptr]

Sincerely Offered = Graciously Accepted

[talltimber41]

These guys hijacked Christianity and finally, maybe, see the error of their ways.

[gce65]

Talk is cheap and doesn''t correct past deliberate racism. BJU should change its policies and rhetoric and ask for forgiveness 20 years from now when it has a recent record of non-racism.

[macusweil]

BJU, Scurge on America. The entire place should be razed like Sodom & Gomorrah.

[cbs_oliver]

Wonderful.

A commendable and very good statement.

[macusweil]

"Wonderful. A commendable and very good statement."

Yes, well said, now can this modern Zoar be dissolved into smoke and ashes??

[kphx]

BJU said that it was founded to help young men and women cultivate a Biblical worldview, and to represent Christ and his teachings to others, "in every dimension of life.

--

That''s exactly what they teach in Madrasas (the muslim schools in Pakistani territories)- Islamic world-view.

Why can''t these universities concentrate on actual science and maths, instead of biblical stores. We already have the churches for that.

[blackyowe]

I like very little in South Carolina but the sunshine.

[erniepf]

"thay should have keep up the good work

Posted by likenoone"

Hey, did you gradimacate from Bob Jones?

[susanhelit]

8 years overdue - about time. Hard to believe anyone sent their children to a place where you get an education in racism. In 2000, interracial dating shouldn''t be considered anything but an irrelevant choice of the couple.

[evian_ycnan]

An apology from Christian zealots? They want something.

"We`re sorry,... but since we have God on our side, we will just do it again."

These are the same people who justified slavery using their Bibles.

Allah be Praised

[kphx]

These are the same people who justified slavery using their Bibles.

Allah be Praised

Posted by Evian_Ycnan at 06:13 PM : Nov 21, 2008
---

Exactly. Even now if you ask them to explain anything, the first thing they do is look into their bible or their pastor for the answer.

By the way, keep your Allah or whatever it is, to yourself. No need to parade it around here.

[thedvirgil]

Now is the time for them to be proactive in countering the years of hurt they have done in this country. I don''t think it''s enough to say you are sorry. If I threw a rock and broke my neighbors window on top of getting my behind spanked by my dad, I would have to go and work off the cost of the damage I caused by mowing the neighbors yard, raking leaves or doing whatever chore they had for me to do. They should set up a tutoring program for minority students in their community. Create a series of lectures focused on the "Sin of Racism." Actively seekout and offer scholarships to well qualified minority students who show academic promise. Seek out superb minority professors to teach at the university. The Christian faith is all about action.

[brianbwb-2009]

"For these failures we are profoundly sorry. Though no known antagonism toward minorities or expressions of racism on a personal level have ever been tolerated on our campus, we allowed institutional policies to remain in place that were racially hurtful."

"no known antagonism", you say Mr. Jones?

Are you that ignorant, not to understand that racism is in and of itself antagonistic?

"On a personal level", you say? Listen up son, the effect of racism is always personal, ask any of its victims who''ve managed to survive.

What''s up with this disingenuous and irrelevant statement? Are you finally noticing that your "happy days" are dead, or just trying to expand your base of suckers to pay to learn modern mythology?

Or do you think that the incoming "Black" president might be less than willing to accept a pending application for federal funds?

Whatever the reason, your statement clearly shows your insincerity, your ignorance, and hypocrisy.

[evian_ycnan]

I`ll bet a dollar to a dime these a-holes really think Obama is a Muslim.

[bud28dy]

Bigoted Christian churches like this and Mormom Temples will be issuing the same kind of apology to *** in about 5 years. Amazing how the human brain evolves, even if their''s evolve a little bit slower than the rest of us.

[bud28dy]

My post just now apparently said the dirty word GGAAYYS so it was edited out as offensive.

[downsteamjim]

Obama wont send his girls to an all black public school. Should he have to apologize for being racist?

[kansas1946]

Who cares. They only ended the interracial dating policy in 2000 because Bush ran down there and brought attention to them. Bob Jones is about as significant in politics as Joe the plumber.

[downsteamjim]

kansas1946: Joe the Plumber is significant because he was a mere mortal who challenged the Messiah. His life and private government records were illegally made public. If something like this had happened to a terrorist, the ACLU et al would have ran to his aid.

[cbs_oliver]

Evian_Ycnan

You arn''t sincere.

You''re just a blaspheming troll looking to start a fight.

Do us all a favor and get lost.

[forasongca]

Now I''m just waiting for them to apologize for teaching people to attempt to shove their antiquated religion down the throats of people who manage just fine without it, thank you very much. But I''m not holding my breath for that one.

[vexact]

What to BJ and Oral have in common (other than U)?

And, really, a university named Bob? no way

[idnnsg]

"Joe the Plumber is significant because he was a mere mortal who challenged the Messiah." -- downstreamjim

HA! Listen to the actual conversation they had sometime, jim! Obama is definitely NOT "the Messiah" (that''s just more BS made up by the repug machine to give you something else to hate, and none of his supporters think of him as "the Messiah"), and he was NOT the least bit "challenged" by Joe the Fake Plumber.

"Joe"''s name isn''t really Joe (it''s Samuel), he isn''t a licenced plumber, he had no actual plan to buy any business, the business wan''t making enough money to cause their taxes to go up under Obama''s plan, and both the business and "joe" the person would pay LESS taxes under Obama''s plan than under McCain''s. All "Joe" could come up with when Obama explained how his tax plan would REDUCE most people''s taxes was to say, "I don''t believe it".

What a pathetic loser, this "Joe the Plumber". Add to all this the fact that "Joe" hadn''t been paying his taxes and he had ALREADY made up his mind to support McCain (contrary to his claim of being "undecided")-- proven by the fact that public records show he had donated money to McCain''s campaign before he ever spoke to Obama-- and what does it all add up to? "Joe the Plumber" is just a big fake!

If such a faker is what you repugs think of as "significant", it''s no wonder you lost the election and it''s no wonder your party is in shambles.

[roachcrusher]

How can you reconcile racism with the Bible? It defies logic. Don''t give me, "everybody was a'' doin'' it."

No, everybody wasn''t a'' doin'' it. You chose to knowing that there were people getting their noggins bashed and you supported the bashers.

Bob Jones keeping its tax-exempt status shows how structurally racist this country is.

[gmcnally2]

Very Commendable. They were wrong, they admitted it, they apologized. More of this in the world and we might get rid of racism.

[cyberwolves1]

I wonder if it''s going to take another 200 years for them to admit they are wrong about *** and lesbians and discriminating against them due to "cultural" reasons?