To the Board of Trustees of Truett-McConnell University,

We, the undersigned students, alumni, parents, pastors, Georgia Baptists, Southern Baptists, and concerned members of the wider Christian community, write to you with broken hearts and deep concern in response to the recent report regarding the alleged sexual abuse of Hayle Swinson by Dr. Brad Reynolds and the alleged cover-up and enabling actions by members of the University’s administration, including President Emir Caner.

The details in the report are grievous. They speak not only to the alleged abuse of a student by a senior administrator but also to what appears to be a culture within the institution that prioritized the protection of the university’s reputation over the safety and dignity of its students. It is additionally troubling that individuals who reportedly attempted to raise concerns were later dismissed from their roles.

As people who care deeply about the integrity, mission, and gospel witness of Truett-McConnell University, we believe that truth and justice must be pursued wherever they lead, and that biblical accountability must be applied at every level of leadership. Therefore, we respectfully and urgently call on the Board of Trustees to commission a third-party investigation, appointed by and accountable to the Georgia Baptist Mission Board (GBMB), but independent of TMU’s current administration and internal trustee structure, into the following:

1. A comprehensive review of all reports of alleged abuse that have occurred on or off campus since 2009, including those allegedly perpetrated by Brad Reynolds or any other TMU employee or representative.
2. An investigation into what President Emir Caner and other administrators knew about the reported allegations involving Hayle Swinson or any other victims, and to what extent they may have enabled, minimized, or failed to act on these reports.
3. A careful review of all dismissals and employment terminations at TMU since 2009 to determine whether any were retaliatory in nature, especially those involving individuals who may have attempted to report abuse or seek accountability.

We further urge the Board to commit to the following actions in response to the findings of this investigation:

• Offering ongoing care, spiritual support, and institutional repentance to victims of abuse and others who were harmed by systemic failures;
• Taking appropriate disciplinary and legal action against any individual, regardless of position, found to have committed abuse, contributed to a cover-up, or failed to act on credible reports of abuse or sexual misconduct;
• Establishing robust systems and oversight structures to ensure that abuse is never tolerated, minimized, or hidden again.

We understand the gravity of this request and acknowledge the complexity of institutional accountability. We urge the Board to protect all due legal processes, including preserving attorney-client privilege where appropriate and avoiding blanket indemnifications, so that justice can proceed with clarity and integrity.

This is not only a moral obligation, but a spiritual one. As a Christian institution, Truett-McConnell University must stand for truth, righteousness, and the protection of the vulnerable. Anything less undermines the gospel it claims to proclaim.

We urge you to act swiftly, transparently, and humbly. The university's reputation is secondary to the call of Christ to “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” (Micah 6:8).

We are praying for wisdom and courage as you consider these necessary steps.