Bob Jones University

[[File:Bob_Jones_University-logo.png|thumb||right|165px|Now with more homophobia!]]{{christianity}}
[[File:Bob Jones University, Front Campus Fountain.jpg|thumb|right|165px|The front of the campus]]
{{cquote|There is no such thing as an undignified path to a [[physics]] degree… unless of course you got that degree from Bob Jones University|4=King Crocoduck<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk8q500rYo4 So You Want a Degree in Physics]. 
King Crocoduck on [[YouTube]], 13 April 2015.</ref>}}

'''Bob Jones University''' is a [[fundie school]] located in Greenville, [[South Carolina]].  It was founded by [[Methodist]] evangelist Bob Jones, Sr. and is now led by former evangelist Steve Pettit, the first president of the college not in the Jones family.<ref>[http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/05/09/bob-jones-university-president/8898039/ "New head of Bob Jones University is not a Jones,"] ''USA Today''. </ref> The institution is infamous for taking the most extreme [[fundamentalist]] positions imaginable. It finally entered the 20<sup>th</sup> century, just as the 21<sup>st</sup> century was beginning, by dropping its ban on interracial dating in 2000 and seeking and gaining [[accreditation]] by the [[Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools]] in 2005.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20130913001859/http://www.tracs.org/TRACS_Members_all.html List of institutions accredited by TRACS]. track.org. Retrieved on 13 September 2015.</ref> In 2017, BJU gained regional accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.<ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/accreditation.php Accreditation] at Bob Jones University.</ref>

Until 2005, Bob Jones University held the position that accreditation was a compromise with the sinful world of academia. As such, the university was an unaccredited one for most of its history, in effect conferring degrees that might as well have come from a [[diploma mill]]. While BJU was unaccredited for most of its existence, credits easily transferred to Clemson University (which is regionally accredited and has excellent graduate programs). Credit transfer to Clemson was so common that many of the staff who got their undergraduate degrees from BJU earned Masters and Doctoral degrees from Clemson.

BJU's most infamous student was the late [[Fred Phelps]].<ref>[http://www.splcenter.org/get-informed/intelligence-files/profiles/fred-phelps Fred Phelps]</ref>

==History==
{{cquote|Down in Carolina way<br/>Lived a man named a big B.J.<br/>B.J. went and got a school<br/>Founded on Caucasian rule<br/>Bumper sticker on his Ford<br/>Says "Honkies if you love the Lord"|[[Steve Taylor]]}}

The university's history of [[racism]] is well known. They refused to admit black students until 1971, and from 1971 to 1975 they only admitted married black couples but not unmarried students. When they finally began admitting single black students in 1975, they coupled it with a ban on [[Miscegenation|interracial dating]], finally dropped in 2000. Their policies also cost them a whole lot of money after a {{wpl|Bob Jones University v. United States|1983 SCOTUS ruling}} upheld the right of the IRS to revoke their [[tax-exempt]] status.<ref>http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0461_0574_ZS.html</ref>

They remain about a century behind the times, which for them is an improvement. Students are banned from dancing, going to movie theaters, watching television, having DVD players in the dorms, surfing the Internet without filters, and listening to any kind of unapproved music (including jazz, country-western, and [[Christian Rock]]). Anything displaying the Abercrombie & Fitch brand is also banned because they "have shown an unusual degree of antagonism to the name of Christ and an unusual display of wickedness in their promotions," or in other words, their catalogues showed pictures of [[Nudity|naked people]]!

The BJU "science" department promotes [[young earth creationism]] exclusively.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120426204908/http://www.bju.edu/academics/college-and-schools/arts-and-science/natural-science/creation BJU and Creation]</ref> The university does not have a real [[geology]] program. Can't let geological facts get in the way now, can we?

[[Al Franken]] infiltrated Bob Jones University while researching ''Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them'' by pretending to be a family friend of a prospective student who was a Christian, while making it clear he is [[Jewish]] and noting their uncomfortable er-um-er-WTF reaction. Many BJU students recognized him from ''Saturday Night Live'' &mdash; odd, given they are supposedly banned from watching television &mdash; although the faculty didn't.

In the Coen Brothers' 2004 remake of ''The Ladykillers'', the fiercely religious [[African American]] landlady, having unknowingly avoided assassination and unexpectedly come into possession of a large quantity of stolen casino money, decides to donate all of the cash to Bob Jones University.

==Intergender Relations==
It is utterly untrue<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20071207093205/http://www.troyandjessica.com/bob-jones-university-urban-legends.html</ref> that the sidewalks are LITERALLY painted pink and blue, as BJU's recruitment material for teens makes very clear. Rather, you're supposed to memorize from a map which public outdoor areas you are prohibited from by virtue of gender. It is also untrue that no dating is allowed whatsoever. There is good clean fun to be had at "couples' days" where young men and women are allowed to mingle under the watchful eyes of {{strikethrough|[[The Handmaid's Tale|Aunts]]}} {{strikethrough|eunuchs}} chaperones in designated community areas. Since sexual tensions are the strongest forces in the universe, BJU forbids the extended touching of a member of the other sex (who is not currently married to you). Other rules include having a chaperone present on any intersex group trips off campus. A 9pm curfew for off-campus trips is also strictly enforced.

The requirement for young ladies to cover their hair in a biblical fashion was lifted in the early nineties when they realized that church hats actually look really pimpin' and hence are evil. <ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.28}}

==Electronics, entertainment, and communications==
===Music===
BJU has a strict music philosophy, clearly stated in its student handbook. It states that one's musical taste is to be "intentionally conservative in style and are to avoid the markers of our current corrupt culture", and categorically prohibits "rock, pop, jazz, country, rap and hip-hop," [[Christian rock|even the crappy Christian kinds]]. 

This ban on modern music, and exaltation of classical and sacred Western music, isn't just for the music department; it "is a biblical boundary, and as such applies to personal listening," including in video games. Students are not allowed to bring modern music recordings or paraphernalia on campus, nor are they allowed to stream such music. 

It even describes this rule as helpful for a student's "maturing" – as if a mature person can't enjoy a little metal or '90s techno in the background. "An important part of maturing as a believer is establishing personal values and boundaries that are in alignment with Scripture, that promote spiritual growth and holiness and that are within the boundaries of your own conscience" – yet you are essentially asked to disregard your own conscience. "Further, maturing necessitates a sensitivity to those around us and their personal spiritual growth and conscience" – as if being an insecure person with a lot to prove were a marker of a maturity. 

Additionally, while dancing isn't categorically prohibited, most modern freestyle dances are prohibited, no matter how vaguely provocative or innocent. Don't expect to do the YMCA with impunity.<ref>https://studenthandbook.bju.edu/#38003,</ref>

The digital handbook also provides a link to a PDF manifesto titled "Music and the Image Bearer: A Philosophy of Musical Stewardship for BJU". <ref>https://www.bju.edu/about/music.pdf</ref>

The school prides itself on its musical snob-, I mean, excellence, and all undergraduate students are required to attend their Concert & Opera Series.<ref>http://blogs.bju.edu/dsc/concert-opera-drama-series/attendance-expectations/</ref>

===Audiovisual media===
Students are not allowed to view live TV or movies on campus, and in their homes they may only view G rated movies (or PG with a counselor). They ''are'' allowed to own TV's for video gaming purposes, but the games can't be rated higher than E10, and the games cannot contain any gore, violence, or (God forbid) rock music.<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.27}}

==Homophobia==
{{main|Homophobia}}
Bob Jones University is so antigay that a support group, BJUnity, formed for students who came out after graduation. Its members demand the university apologize for a 1980 comment made by then-president and current chancellor Bob Jones III that “it would solve the problem posthaste if homosexuals were stoned.”<ref> http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/advocate-45/2012/08/21/45-biggest-homophobes-our-45-years?page=full</ref> In 2015, he finally apologized for that remark, even as he visited the White House to protest extending the Civil Rights act to homosexuals.

==Handling of sex abuse==
Many students tried to get counseling over sex abuse that happened before they entered the university. These students typically were members of [[Fundamentalist Christianity|Christian fundamentalist]] communities and abusers were part of the same social group. The university typically [[Blaming the victim|accused the victims of lying and sinning]].

One former student stated a counselor told her that reporting the abuser to the police would harm ''"the cause of Christ"''. The counselor said the victim was responsible for the abuse, and told her to forgive the abuser.<ref>[http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/12/education/christian-school-faulted-for-halting-abuse-study.html?_r=1 Christian School Faulted for Halting Abuse Study]</ref>

In an attempt to stave off criticism, the university hired GRACE ('''G'''odly '''R'''esponse to '''A'''buse in the '''C'''hristian '''E'''nvironment) to study their response. GRACE, however, [[Irony|blasted them]], and specifically called out former president (and the founder's grandson) Bob Jones III, saying:

{{quotebox|Dr. Jones, III has also repeatedly demonstrated a significant lack of understanding regarding the many painful dynamics associated with sexual abuse ... Due to the central role Dr. Jones, III played in the many issues outlined within this report, it is recommended that the university impose personnel action upon Dr. Jones, III.<ref>Lyn Riddle, [https://archive.ph/d2DqB Bob Jones University Sex Abuse Report Released]. Archived from wtlx.com, 11 December 2014.</ref>}}

==Academics==
==="Science" Programs===

BJU offers Bachelor's "degrees" in Biology (including Molecular Biology and Biochemistry), Chemistry, and Physics. The degree programs include [[Bible]] studies alongside any actual science, and [[Young Earth creationism]] is part of the curriculum. They claim that the Creation Research Society is a professional science organization. According to the BJU website:

{{quotebox|Studying God’s creation is a part of loving God with all your mind. Biologists are confronted daily with evidence of God’s creative genius. And being a Christian biologist, in particular, requires excellence in understanding and applying the principles of biology combined with a distinctly biblical perspective on science.<ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/programs/biology/ Biology] at Bob Jones University.</ref>}}

===Other programs===

In terms of other certificate and degree programs, they slap the words and phrases "Christian", "Christ-Centered", or "From a Biblical Perspective" in front of every type of occupation. For example, in their Bachelor of Science degree in English Education,

{{quotebox|Following Jesus Christ is what really matters. And at Bob Jones University, we’re committed to preparing you to become an effective teacher as you follow the Master Teacher. The English education program at BJU will prepare you to be an effective, innovative and Christ-centered educator, whether you teach in a public, private or Christian school.<ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/programs/english-education/ English Education] at Bob Jones University. Their teachers can get state licensed.</ref>}}

All programs have this type of wording — and these programs are supposed to prep people for the work force. Recent graduates are not only trained for professional work, but they are also trained to [[Evangelism|convert co-workers]] to 
the one true religion
 Christianity! Still don't believe us? The Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication will, as they put it:

{{quotebox|Ultimately the journalism and mass communication program will provide a strong media education based on a biblical worldview that will prepare you for the work God has for you.<ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/programs/journalism-and-mass-communication/ Journalism and Mass Communication] at Bob Jones University.</ref>}}

Recently, BJU started up a speech language pathology program. <ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/graduate-programs/speech-language-pathology/ BJU Graduate], Retrieved on January 15, 2026.</ref> Now you can have a speech pathologist who believes that the Earth is 6000 years old. 

{{quotebox|Equipping SLPs with a foundation in faith, evidence-based practice, dynamic mentorship, immersive clinical education, and tailored learning experiences.}}

===Questionable Qualifications===

The faculty seem to have very questionable qualifications. Many of the staff hold their undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bob Jones University itself. While it is very common for a school to hire its own graduates, the problem is the people who got their degrees from BJU earned them while the university was unaccredited. An example of this is most of the seminary faculty have their Bachelors through Ph.D's (or Doctor of Ministry degrees for a few of the staff) from Bob Jones University.<ref>Ten of the sixteen faculty members listed at the [https://web.archive.org/web/20120710055336/http://www.bju.edu/academics/college-and-schools/seminary/faculty Seminary Faculty] page at Bob Jones University received all of their degrees from BJU. Retrieved on 14 May 2018.</ref> One ministry department faculty member has a Master of Theology degree from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, an unaccredited seminary in Michigan.<ref>[https://www.bju.edu/academics/faculty/facultymember.php?id=pjohnson Pearson Johnson]'s faculty page at Bob Jones University.</ref> A culinary arts "instructor" only has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible Studies from Bob Jones University.<ref>[http://www.bju.edu/academics/faculty/facultymember.php?id=dmiller David Miller]'s faculty page at Bob Jones University.</ref>

===Bob Jones Academy===

BJU has set up an elementary/middle/high school in South Carolina.<ref>http://www.bobjonesacademy.net/</ref> It maintains an active speech and debate team,<ref>http://www.bobjonesacademy.net/2014/01/16/students-place-in-speech-and-debate-tournaments/</ref> which may or may not feed students to the notable [[fundy]] college debate programs at [[Liberty University]] and [[Patrick Henry College]]. Creationism is heavily integrated into the curriculum. Requirements for admissions include two letters of recommendation from a church and a family interview. While seemingly as strict as the university, BJA's students have a relatively easier time bypassing the rules. The BJA logo is displayed on tiles in the floor throughout the high school. If one steps on the logo, accidental or otherwise, the individual will have to get down on their knees and scrub the logo with a toothbrush, as is BJA tradition.

==Excerpts from Student Handbook==

The BJU student handbook<ref name="handbook">https://web.archive.org/web/20131228024857/http://www.bju.edu/life-faith/student-handbook.pdf</ref> is a [[Fundamentalist Christianity|fun]] read.  Only upperclassmen are permitted to have facial hair, but it must not be grown while on campus.<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.31}} Multiple paragraphs are written decrying the evil of music and movies.<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.25}} BJU dictates student behavior while on campus, at home, or at work (i.e. at all times). There are stipulations about whom students can live with while off campus (a relative over 23 of the same gender).<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.35}} Students are not to marry before the age of 20 or during a semester <del>but are encouraged to marry as soon as possible after turning 20.</del><ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.37}} Women's shorts must not be higher than 2 inches above the knee.<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.29}} BJU is infamously known for handing out demerits for infractions such not attending chapel the mandatory five times per week.<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.41}} If enough demerits are acquired, students may be <del>further extorted</del> fined or <del>freed</del> expelled. In "executing its disciplinary system as a private educational institution," BJU claims they may inspect rooms, phones, computers, and email accounts at any time <del>for any reason</del> "if deemed necessary."<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.46}} In reality, this works because students feel like they can't object and therefore consent to the search, making it barely legal. Appendix A and B are the [[PRATT|classic arguments]] against abortion and transgender people, and appendix C is an essay in opposition of such things as homosexuality, "erotic realism," and "false philosophical or religious assumptions—the most dangerous, yet the most overlooked, of all objectionable elements."<ref name="handbook"/>{{rp|p.62}}

==BJU Press==
BJU Press was purportedly the largest source of [[homeschooling]] textbooks in the US by 1996,<ref>Deb Richardson-Moore, "BJU Press Has Quietly Risen to Top in Homeschool Publications," ''Greenville News'', 26 May 1996.</ref> and purportedly the largest publisher in [[South Carolina]] by 2006.<ref>Jenny Moore, "Greenville Benefits from BJU in Economic, Social Areas," ''Greenville News'', 20 September 2006, 9A.</ref>

==See also==
*''[[Brown v. Board of Education]]''
*''[[Coit v. Green]]''
*The [[John Birch Society]] had ties to BJU<ref>''Birchers: How the John Birch Society Radicalized the American Right'' by Matthew Dallek (2023) Basic Books. {{isbn|1541673565}}.</ref>{{rp|219}}
*[[Liberty University]]
*[[Pensacola Christian College]]

==External links==
*[http://www.bju.edu Bob Jones University]
*[http://www.bobjonesacademy.net/ Bob Jones Academy]

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Fundamentalist Christian organizations]]
[[Category:Fundie schools]]
[[Category:Homophobia]]
[[Category:Pseudoscience promoting organizations]]
[[Category:Racism]]
[[Category:Sexism]]
[[Category:Purity culture]]
[[Category:Rape culture]]

Categories: Fundamentalist Christian organizations, Fundie schools, Homophobia, Pseudoscience promoting organizations, Racism, Sexism, Purity culture, Rape culture