News Summary
An investigation has been reopened into Bradley Reynolds, a former vice president at Truett McConnell University, following allegations of grooming and sexual abuse made by ex-student Hayle Swinson. Swinson claims Reynolds manipulated her into an unwanted sexual relationship using misinterpreted scripture. Although no charges have been filed yet, the allegations have sparked protests from alumni and prompted administrative leave for the university president during an external investigation into the matter. TMU plans to strengthen its Title IX program in response to the public outcry.
Cleveland, Georgia – Allegations of grooming and sexual abuse involving a former high-ranking official at Truett McConnell University (TMU) have led to a new investigation into the actions of Bradley Reynolds, the university’s former vice president. This development comes after Hayle Swinson, a former student, reported her experiences of being manipulated and assaulted by Reynolds while she was a student at TMU.
Swinson contacted the White County sheriff’s office on February 29, 2024, prompting authorities to reopen the investigation into Reynolds’ conduct. She reported that Reynolds pressured her into an unwanted sexual relationship, utilizing his interpretation of Scripture to justify his actions. Swinson claimed that he had misled her by allegedly stating that God had a vision indicating that Reynolds’ wife would die and that Swinson would fill her role.
During her interactions with authorities, Swinson provided over 300 emails exchanged with Reynolds that included biblical interpretations mixed with sexual fantasies. However, when confronted by investigators, Reynolds denied having any sexual relationship with Swinson and refuted the authenticity of the emails.
Although no charges have been filed against Reynolds to date, the ongoing investigation reflects the serious nature of Swinson’s allegations and the university’s controversial response to similar complaints in the past. The district attorney’s office has reopened the case as inquiries into Reynolds’ conduct continue.
The issue is further complicated by legal limitations, as the statute of limitations for some potential charges in Georgia may have expired. Nevertheless, Swinson’s allegations have ignited protests among TMU alumni and dissent among its faculty, many of whom were unaware of the allegations against Reynolds until now.
In response to the growing unease, TMU President Emir Caner was placed on administrative leave while an external investigation into how the university managed the situation is conducted. Reports indicate that Reynolds had fostered a close rapport with students, often inviting them to his home for meals and Bible study sessions where inappropriate behavior reportedly surfaced.
Initially attending TMU on an athletic scholarship, Swinson became deeply embedded within the university’s Christian community. The alleged misconduct by Reynolds is said to have commenced shortly after her graduation and persisted during her tenure as a life coach at the institution. Swinson recalled instances involving inappropriate physical contact during Bible study, where Reynolds often alternated between sexual advances and regular discussions of Scripture.
The dynamics of their relationship reportedly included manipulative tactics, with Reynolds using guilt and spiritual authority to coerce Swinson into submission. Whispers of their inappropriate relationship circulated among students and faculty, indicating a level of discomfort about the situation that was reportedly ignored by TMU administration.
Evidence of potential misconduct includes a petition signed by over 50 female students in 2019, which alleged uncomfortable behavior from Reynolds but was seemingly disregarded by university leaders. Chris Eppling, the Vice President of Student Services, raised concerns about Reynolds’ behavior, presenting evidence to Caner, but the claims were dismissed.
A Title IX investigation conducted by TMU in 2022 concluded that Reynolds’ actions did not rise to the level of sexual harassment. Nonetheless, the White County sheriff’s office has since seized Reynolds’ phone to further analyze the communications between him and Swinson, discovering a substantial volume of correspondence.
Despite their findings, investigators determined there was not enough evidence to charge Reynolds criminally, leading to continued public outcry following Swinson’s decision to share her story. In light of ongoing backlash, TMU has conducted board meetings and initiated an external investigation to scrutinize both Reynolds’ behavior and the university’s handling of prior complaints.
As a response to the unfolding controversy, TMU has announced plans to strengthen its Title IX program, which includes hiring a full-time Title IX coordinator and implementing measures to encourage students to report misconduct. In the wake of these developments, Swinson expresses hope that her advocacy will not only facilitate her own healing but also inspire legislative changes in Georgia regarding clergy sexual abuse.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Baptist Press: Truett McConnell trustees to hear investigation results in September
- AJC: Sex, faith denials a Georgia Baptist college faces a reckoning
- Julie Roys: Truett McConnell University to receive sex abuse probe results by end of September
- Baptist News: Truett McConnell faculty chairs went straight to trustees
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Truett McConnell University president leaves amid sexual abuse probe
- Wikipedia: Title IX
- Google Search: Truett McConnell University sexual abuse
- Google Scholar: Truett McConnell University Title IX
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- Google News: Truett McConnell University
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