News Summary
Stephen Kopp, a former director at Bob Jones University, was arrested on charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. The allegations involve multiple acts with a 15-year-old victim and occurred between November 2023 and February 2024. The university is cooperating with law enforcement and expressed support for those affected. Additionally, BJU faces scrutiny over administrative issues, raising concerns about the institution’s future amid declining enrollment numbers and an administrative dissolution period.
Greenville, South Carolina – A former employee at Bob Jones University (BJU), Stephen Kopp, was arrested in April 2024 on charges of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor. Kopp, who served as the director of EDUCamp at the university from July 2018 until February 2024, faces serious allegations related to multiple sex acts involving a 15-year-old victim.
The arrest warrant indicates that the alleged offenses occurred between November 2023 and February 2024. Kopp is currently out on bond while his legal proceedings are underway. Bob Jones University has confirmed that it is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into the charges against Kopp. In a statement, the university addressed the serious nature of these allegations but noted that the events did not take place on campus and are unrelated to Kopp’s employment, thus not falling under federal higher education reporting requirements.
University Response and Support
BJU has expressed its prayers and support for all those affected by these allegations. A spokesperson for the university has stated that no additional comments will be made as legal proceedings continue. This incident has raised significant concerns within the university community, particularly regarding the safety and well-being of its students.
Administrative Challenges at BJU
In addition to the arrest, Bob Jones University is facing scrutiny over administrative issues. Documents have revealed that BJU Inc., the nonprofit organization behind the university, was administratively dissolved for a period of 63 days due to the failure to submit necessary paperwork for a registered agent. This dissolution followed the retirement of the previous registered agent earlier in 2024, which led to a communications breakdown with a national registered agent firm.
The dissolution began on May 6, 2024, after BJU Inc. missed two critical letters from the state warning of potential dissolution, including one dated February 27, which specifically highlighted the imminent risk. The issue was subsequently resolved when BJU Inc. submitted the appropriate paperwork to reinstate the entity retroactively on July 9, 2024. A spokesperson from BJU stated that new procedures and safeguards have been established to better manage state paperwork and avoid such administrative issues in the future.
Declining Enrollment Trends
Bob Jones University has been experiencing a decline in enrollment numbers, which have dropped significantly from a peak of 4,228 students in 2007 to approximately 2,700 students as of the latest reports. The erosion of enrollment figures may contribute to a growing atmosphere of concern regarding the university’s stability and future.
In an effort to address the ongoing challenges, a new president was appointed at the university around the same time that notices regarding the dissolution were issued. This transition in leadership may offer an opportunity for the institution to regain trust and implement further improvements in its operational practices.
The situation surrounding Stephen Kopp’s arrest and the administrative dissolution of BJU Inc. highlights significant issues faced by the university and raises pressing questions about the safety and management of organizations within the educational sector.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Warrant Details Child Sex Abuse Allegations Against Former Bob Jones Employee
- Wikipedia
- Post and Courier: Missed Letter Dissolved Bob Jones University
- Google Search: Bob Jones University
- FITSNews: Bob Jones Guardian Accused of Months-Long Sexual Abuse of Minor
- Google Scholar: Bob Jones University
- Ministry Watch: Is Bob Jones Facing Closure?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bob Jones University
- Greenville Online: Museum Gallery Bob Jones University Seeks Downtown Greenville SC Home
- Google News: Bob Jones University
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