Here is WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids:
The president of Calvin University has resigned after admitting to sending inappropriate messages to someone on campus, the school says.
President Wiebe Boer’s “unwelcome and inappropriate” communication was with a “non-student member of the campus community,” according to the university. Calvin was made aware through a recent report. That report did not include allegations that Boer’s communication was sexually explicit or that there was any physical contact, “but the alleged conduct is concerning and inappropriate,” the school wrote.
After he was made aware of the report, Boer denied some of the allegations but admitted to sending inappropriate communications that were not up to the standard of conduct expected from the president of Calvin University, the school said. Boer then offered his resignation, which the board accepted.
The Vice President of Advancement Gregory Elzinga will serve as interim president while the board searches for the next permanent president, according to the university.
More to come.
Addendum: February 26, 2024 (5:59pm ET): Here is the official Calvin University statement:
The Board of Trustees of Calvin University is committed to fostering a workplace and educational environment that emphasizes the worth of every member of our community. This includes taking seriously all reports of inappropriate conduct.
Calvin University recently received a report alleging that President Wiebe Boer engaged in unwelcome and inappropriate communication and attention toward a non-student member of the campus community. The report did not include allegations of sexually explicit communication or physical contact, but the alleged conduct is concerning and inappropriate.
Upon receiving the report, we immediately engaged outside experts to ensure that Calvin University responded to the report in compliance with our policy and legal requirements, including Title IX. After being notified of the report, Dr. Boer denied some of the allegations but did admit to sending communications that were inappropriate and inconsistent with the high standard of conduct and character expected of the President of Calvin University. Dr. Boer subsequently offered his resignation, which the Board accepted.
In keeping with our emergency succession plans, the Board has named Vice President of Advancement Gregory Elzinga to serve as Interim President. He has a deep well of skills and experience in and outside of Calvin, as well as an equally deep knowledge and dedication to the institution. In his role as Vice President of Advancement, Mr. Elzinga is already fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of the University and is well situated to provide effective continuity of leadership while the Board conducts a thorough search for the University’s next permanent President.
As we enter this season of transition, we are united in our shared mission to equip students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.
Here is the Board of Trustee’s message sent out to the Calvin University community:
Dear Calvin Community,
The Board of Trustees of Calvin University is committed to fostering a workplace and educational environment that emphasizes the worth of every member of our community.
This includes taking seriously all reports of inappropriate conduct. Calvin University recently received a report alleging that President Wiebe Boer engaged in unwelcome and inappropriate communication and attention toward a non-student member of the campus community. The report did not include allegations of sexually explicit communication or physical contact, but the alleged conduct is concerning and inappropriate.
Upon receiving the report, we immediately engaged outside experts to ensure that Calvin University responded to the report in compliance with our policy and legal requirements, including Title IX.
After being notified of the report, Dr. Boer denied some of the allegations but did admit to sending communications that were inappropriate and inconsistent with the high standard of conduct and character expected of the President of Calvin University. Dr. Boer subsequently offered his resignation, which the Board accepted.
While we understand the desire to know more specific information, as a Board, we have an obligation to maintain the integrity of our Safer Spaces policy, comply with Title IX and uphold our ongoing commitment to support the complainant. Due to employee privacy considerations, neither Calvin University nor any of its representatives will provide further comment.
As a Board, we deeply lament the pain being felt by those involved and across our community as a result of Dr. Boer’s conduct. We are grateful to the individual who demonstrated courage in reporting this conduct so that it could be addressed. Our prayers are with all during this time.
In keeping with our emergency succession plans, the Board has named Vice President of Advancement Gregory Elzinga to serve as Interim President. He has a deep well of skills and experience in and outside of Calvin, as well as an equally deep knowledge and dedication to the institution. Prior to his arrival at Calvin, Mr. Elzinga was director of global engagement with an international Christian nonprofit focused on economic development. In his role as Vice President of Advancement, Mr. Elzinga is already fully engaged in the day-to-day operations of the University and is well situated to provide effective continuity of leadership while the Board conducts a thorough search for the University’s next permanent President.
What’s next:
Should you have additional questions about the University’s approach to handling matters of this nature, please contact: Susan Buist, Parent Council Liaison: susan.buist@calvin.edu.
As we enter this season of transition, we are united in our shared mission to equip students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ’s agents of renewal in the world.
The Board and University personnel take our responsibility to provide an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation very seriously and continually strive to promptly and thoroughly respond to allegations of misconduct. More information about the Safer Spaces policy, reporting options, and resources are available at https://calvin.edu/offices-services/safer-spaces/.
We ask for prayers for the entire Calvin community, trusting that the Holy Spirit will comfort all of us in the sustaining grace of God, now and always.