CLEVELAND, Ga. (AP) – In a significant development, Truett McConnell University, a Baptist college situated in northeast Georgia, has chosen not to reinstate its president, Emir Caner, following a thorough investigation into allegations that he neglected reports of student abuse by a former administrator. This decision was made public by the trustees on Friday.
Emir Caner had been on leave since June, after the trustees appointed an investigator to look into claims made by a former university administrator and professor who allegedly sexually assaulted a female who was once a student and subsequently an employee of the university. The woman contended that she was repeatedly assaulted during Bible study sessions held at the administrator's residence.
During a transition period, John Yarbrough, who had served as the acting president since June, will now continue as the interim president. The trustees have announced their intention to establish a committee to identify a permanent successor.
The decision to part ways with Caner came after the investigator presented his findings to the trustees on Thursday; however, the university has not released specific details regarding those findings. Yarbrough confirmed Caner's departure in a news conference, indicating that negotiations regarding the specifics of Caner's separation are still ongoing.
Yarbrough stated, “But I can tell you I’m interim president and Dr. Caner is no longer president of the university today.” His remarks underscore the swift response of the board amidst rising concerns from faculty and alumni regarding the handling of the allegations.
This situation is part of a broader issue faced by Southern Baptists, who have been confronted with numerous allegations over the years that hundreds of church leaders and workers have inflicted abuse, along with criticisms about insufficient measures to prevent such misconduct. The case at Truett McConnell has stirred significant unrest within the university community; a rare public protest occurred outside a trustee meeting in June, advocating for Caner’s removal.
In a video message shared on social media subsequent to his leave of absence, Caner expressed his sorrow regarding the situation, stating, "one of our own, one of our family, has been hurt in this way," while simultaneously denying any cover-up or neglect regarding the reported assaults. He claimed, “While there was no cover-up, there was no Title IX filed or an HR complaint; there was no petition that ever came across my desk. We have to do better.”
The former student who alleged sexual assault discussed her experiences on a podcast on May 29. Following this, Truett McConnell released a statement a day later, indicating that the university first became aware of the allegations in February 2024, when the implicated administrator notified the institution that he was under investigation by the White County Sheriff's Office due to “an inappropriate relationship.” The university's report highlighted that the administrator’s employment was terminated shortly after the notice, and that subsequent reviews revealed he had sent numerous “sexually-explicit and theologically-twisted” emails from a personal account. Although sheriff's deputies determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue criminal charges, this development, as relayed by the former student’s attorney, Marcia Shein, raised several concerns.
Accusations against Caner have also surfaced, claiming that he retaliated against two administrators who sought clarity regarding the allegations, resulting in their departure from the university. The institution has firmly denied these allegations, maintaining that no retaliation occurred.
Shein formally communicated the allegations to the trustees in February. However, she argued that the university had knowledge of the claims long before 2024, referencing a prior petition by students calling for the removal of the implicated administrator from his teaching position. Regarding legal action, Shein noted that the former student has not pursued a lawsuit against Truett McConnell due to being restricted by Georgia’s four-year statute of limitations. Nevertheless, White County District Attorney Jeff Langley has indicated a renewed examination of the case, hinting at potential future developments.
