Friday, January 21, 2005

A Political Lightening Rod Steps Down

Bob Jones III is stepping down as head of Bob Jones University -- founded by his grandfather 78 years ago. The conservative, fundamentalist school has been at the center of political controversies over the years. President Bush drew fire for a campaign speech there when the school still banned interracial dating in 2000. After the 2004 election, Mr Jones sent the President a letter saying:

“You have been given a mandate. ... Put your agenda on the front burner and let it boil. You owe the liberals nothing. They despise you because they despise your Christ.”

Mr Jones also called Catholicism and Mormonism "cults" in a 2000 campus magazine article.

He says he's stepping down to let someone closer to today's youth -- someone with new ideas -- to take charge. Who knows, they may allow raccoon coats and jalopies on campus. But "The Charleston" will still be banned. (MSNBC)

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