March 15, 2010
Earlier this month, we reported that Erskine College was under review by the school’s Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) leaders for its alleged “irreconcilable and competing visions.” Last Wednesday, the school’s board met to address concerns held by both students and teachers.
Erskine recently removed 14 of its 30 board members as instructed by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church to “downsize the board to be more effective,” reported The Greenville News. At the meeting, longtime English professor William Crenshaw questioned the church leader’s decision in light of the recent debate concerning the inerrancy of the Bible and the school’s review. Crenshaw said, “I’ve heard nothing to explain why this happened. There seems to be little room for any conclusion except what was removed from the board were people who were not in line with the obviously prejudged decision of the commission.”
The new interim board will replace the previous one until June when church leaders will appoint a 15-member board. College President Randall T. Ruble and other prospective students have shared their fears for the college’s accreditation recognition. Herb Jordon, a 1969 graduate fears the school will stray away from a liberal arts institution to a Bible college. Teachers are also concerned that the ongoing review by the ARP will stop certain subjects from being taught, particularly subjects such as evolution and critical thinking.