Google Preferred SourcesComments
ForumsShare

This week in Christian history: Bob Jones U interracial dating ban, John Wesley dies, Vassy Massacre

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

Bob Jones University ends interracial dating ban – March 3, 2000

Bob Jones University in South Carolina
Bob Jones University in South Carolina | Facebook/Bob Jones University

This week marks the anniversary of when Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist Christian school based in Greenville, South Carolina, announced the end of its ban on interracial dating.

In 2000, BJU gained national attention and criticism for the policy after then-presidential candidate George W. Bush spoke at the campus while on the campaign trail.

Bob Jones III, then president of BJU, announced the ban's repeal on an episode of “Larry King Live.” 

“I said to our administration, 'You know, guys, this thing is of such insignificance to us, it's so significant to the world at large — the media, particularly — why should we have this here as an obstacle?'” said Jones.

“It hurts our graduates; we love our graduates greatly. It hurts, maybe, the Church as well. And I don't want to hurt the Church of Jesus Christ.” 

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get:

  • The Insider Newsletter, a members-only monthly letter from our newsroom

  • Ad-free reading across christianpost.com


From as low as $8.25/month
Prefer to give once?

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles.
Return to homepage.