Bob Jones University Student Handbook Changes, Fall 2018
Institutional erosion often begins slowly, perceived by only the most discerning, and too often explained and dismissed as harmless and inconsequential change. When the signs of decay are apparent, it is usually too late to correct without a major, often expensive, and sometimes impossible attempt to salvage.
Like the disaster that follows a ship at sea when its captain fails to stay the course only by degrees, so too is a Christian institution’s end when it departs from the distinctives that instilled discipline and character in its student body.
For over 15 years, I have observed a pattern of change at Bob Jones University that is all too familiar. Like a ship slowly, imperceptibly drifting from its course, the University is adrift from the disciplines that shaped the character of generations of Christian students in its past.
While the University has failed to maintain its discipline, its alumni have been unable to hold its administration accountable for its direction. Fundamental pastors, so quick to point out past flaws and failures in other ministries, have been silent. At the same time, the board and leadership at BJU steer the University away from its fundamental moorings. Why the silence? Why the accommodation of changes we know are not welcome in our ministries but are being thrust upon us and our children by an institution we loved and trusted?
The University recently announced changes to this year’s Student Handbook , including allowing women to wear pants to class and athletic shorts raised to 2 inches above the knee. Other changes in the clothing standard are summed up as “too many changes to write.”
Admittedly, some things in BJU’s Student Handbook did not make sense in my era (for example, guys wearing ties to classes in the morning but not in the afternoon; men wearing suit jackets to dinner and ties to go off-campus; women wearing hose year round). All those irritants are gone now, but so are many disciplines that instilled distinctive Christian virtues in the student body.
In a video Facebook post, Dr. Steve Petit addresses the dress code changes that take effect in this Fall’s 2018 Student Handbook (see pp. 29-32) and gives his reasons for the changes. Some changes in the handbook are practical and merely an adaptation of institutional policy taking advantage of new technology. Other changes are, in my opinion, a continuing pattern of pragmatism evidencing a drift from core principles that were once the trademark of Bob Jones University.
It is not the individual rule changes that are bothersome but the continuing pattern of change eroding the core values that once shaped the character of the BJU student body. The distinctive disciplines that set BJU apart from the likes of Furman University, Liberty University, and Cedarville University are eroding, as is the polished character that was BJU’s hallmark.
The board and administration of Bob Jones University are following its smaller predecessors to their ruin. Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, Northland University, Tennessee Temple University, and Clearwater Christian College (to name a few) all drifted from their distinctive character as fundamental Bible Colleges, and because of that drift, their demise became inevitable. I am afraid their end will be sadly the same for the University. 
For too long, we have given liberty to the BJU board, administration, and faculty, believing they shared the same convictions and core values as our churches and families. I confess with sorrow that while many of the University’s alumni have stayed the course, the board, administration, and faculty have not.
The erosion and decay of BJU has manifested itself openly. The institutional drift has taken the University far from its distinctive moorings. I fear Bob Jones University is too far gone, and what was once the flagship of Bible fundamentalism is a shadow of her past.
With the heart of a shepherd and a 1977 alumni of Bob Jones University,
Travis D. Smith
Senior Pastor
- An Addendum (09\07\18) – I became aware some of the critics of my original post have tried to paint me as an old “fuddy-duddy,” anti-pants pastor; however, my article on the dress-code change at BJU was not an anti-pants rant, but a question of where the institution will draw the line in holding to its disciplines and distinctives. I believe BJU’s decision on the matter of women wearing pants to class and chapel removes yet another discipline for teaching young women godly modesty and appropriate decorum. At one time, BJU was all about training, discipline, and developing a sharp product. I fear that philosophy continues to be sacrificed at my alma mater.
- On a personal note, every organization of any worth will have established policies for appropriate decorum. While Hillsdale Baptist Church requires men on our platform to wear suit jackets and women to wear modest dresses, we do not expect the same of our audience (although the overwhelming majority of our membership follows the lead of our platform dress).
Note from the author: The concerns expressed in this blog are the latest of a series I have published expressing my concerns with the drift of our Bible fundamental institutions and churches. For more background, please refer to: 1) From the Front Pew; 2) A Travesty of Abandonment; 3) A Travesty of Abandonment: Christian Schools that Have Left the Ancient Landmarks; 4) Warning: Cater to the Carnal and You Do So at Your Own Peril; 5) What Were They Thinking?; 6) Catering to Carnality; 7) Hijacked: You Can Lose Your Church; 8) Where is the Christian Westpoint of this Generation?
Copyright 2018 – Travis D. Smith