Education
Bob Jones University Purge … & Ellen Weaver?
If we had predicted six months ago that the BJU Chairman of the Board, President & Chief of Staff would all be gone today … you would have said we were crazy.
If we had predicted six months ago that the Bob Jones University (BJU) Chairman of the Board (John Lewis), President (Steve Pettit) & Chief of Staff (Randy Page) would all be gone today … you would have said we were crazy.
Well guess what … they are all gone today … but is the reckoning over?
Story Background:
We all recall the great debate about Ellen Weaver’s “master’s degree”. It all started with an obscure requirement passed into law and approved by voters in 2018 that requires the SC Superintendent of Education to possess a master’s degree.
“Per the South Carolina State House, a superintendent of education must hold a master’s degree and have experience in public education. In turn, Weaver enrolled in Bob Jones University (BJU) and is said to have completed 33 hours of coursework in six months’ time.” – WIS News (10/17/2022) [Continue Reading]
Filing for the statewide SC Superintendent of Education office was in March 2022. Weaver was the hands down leading candidate with the most (special interest) money backing her … as well as virtually the entire Republican “establishment” and SCGOP leadership, namely SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick, which raised questions as to his personal and the SCGOP’s impartiality in the race.
However in April of 2022, it was discovered that several candidates did not have the necessary educational requirements … Ellen Weaver being chief among them. It was then disclosed that Chairman McKissick had certified Weaver as a candidate even though she was not qualified to hold the office at the time.
After discover Weaver did not qualify, Weaver first enrolled in an online master’s degree program at Western Governor’s University. That apparently was not going to work out in time … or the WGU administration was not willing to risk their school’s accreditation for Weaver’s timeline … so she quickly enrolled in a master’s degree program at her alma mater, the very politically active Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.
The only problem … the degree was (and still is) advertised as a 2-year program. Weaver did not have two years, so “special” treatment was needed, and somehow she obtained the 33 credit hour degree in less than six months.
All along the way there were calls of outrage, but Weaver and the establishment party leaders were not budging. They needed Weaver to win and nothing, including risking the accreditation of BJU, the potential for Weaver being disqualified and a Democrat being installed to that office, nor the risk of BJU leadership losing their jobs was going to stop them.
Ultimately on November 8th, 2022, Weaver defeated her Democrat opponent Lisa Ellis, 55% to 43% in the statewide election.
Post Election Timeline:
However, the election win is not the end of the story.
In December 2022 it was reported that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) had asked BJU to submit a monitoring report after they received complaints about new state superintendent Ellen Weaver’s six-month master’s degree. (The Greenville News – December 12, 2022)
“Both letters, sent [to] the State and Federal Attorney General’s Office, cite a conspiracy to commit fraud [by] Ellen Weaver, Bob Jones University and the State’s Republican Party.” – WIS News (01/14/2023) [CONTINUE READING]
On January 11th, 2023, the SC Democratic Party Chairman Trav Roberston, Jr. sent letters to US Attorney General Merrick Garland and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson asking them to investigate the circumstances surrounding the candidate certification of Ellen Weaver. The letters accused Ellen Weaver, the SCGOP, Bob Jones University & the SACSCOC of conspiracy to commit fraud and circumvent SC Election Law. It is a pretty powerful statement. (HERE.)
“… these organizations conspired to commit fraud and circumvent South Carolina law.” 1/11/2023 Letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland
On January 19th, BJU President Steve Pettit signed a 3-year extension on his contract. It appeared to most that there were going to be no ramifications for the Ellen Weaver “master’s degree” debacle. (The Post & Courier Greenville – January 19, 2023)
Despite the 3-year contract extension, on March 30th Pettit submitted a letter to the BJU Board of Trustees citing grievances with the leadership of then-board Chairman John Lewis. In the letter, Pettit said he would resign if Lewis remained chair. (The Post & Courier Greenville – April 21, 2023)
On April 6th, Lewis resigned, leaving an open question of whether that move changed Pettit’s status. The resignation (strangely enough) did not change the embattled President’s status, raising questions as to whether the professed grievances were the real reason for both resignations. Pettit left the school effective May 5th.
Later in April, BJU Chief of Staff and SCGOP “Republican” political operative Randy Page left the University for a position as the state director of the pro-Ron DeSantis Never Back Down PAC. (The Post & Courier – April 25, 2023)
Ask yourself, who leaves a job as a university Chief of Staff for a temporary and often revolving door PAC position. … even as a state director? The SC Republican Presidential Preference Primary will be held on February 24, 2024 … so what will Randy do after this job is over? This move raised further questions as to the real reason for Page’s resignation given he is widely believed to be the mastermind behind the Weaver BJU “master’s degree” arrangement.
“Page … told the Greenville News that one could apply for a fast-track course in consultation with the faculty program coordinator.”
“Page … University President Steve Pettit and professors in leadership positions donated to Weaver’s campaign.”
The Greenville News (12/12/2022) [CONTINUE READING]
Connecting the Dots:
Although the mainstream media is not reporting it yet … the rumor mill in Greenville is that the BJU departures are more related to the Ellen Weaver’s BJU “master’s degree” issue than any personnel differences or temporary political opportunities.
Time will tell … but if you were BJU leadership would you want to announce publicly that these leadership departures were part of a potential crime or an agreed to punishment for the political favoritism shown Weaver? We wouldn’t.
Stay tuned for more developments …
– PAY YOUR $40 NOW!!! HERE
Dear South Carolina Patriots,
Friends, if you are a MAGA America First STATE DELEGATE (or alternate) … register for the SCGOP (RINO) State Convention ASAP!!!
The deadline is Wednesday, April 30th at 11:59pm … but we have heard from delegates all across South Carolina that had no idea there was a registration deadline. Those delegates (coincidentally) all seem to be AGAINST current Chairman Drew McKissick. #FireDREW!!!
So … REGISTER ASAP … like right now … especially if you are “real” MAGA America First!!!
Register Today: HERE
Bonus: Zero Guest Policy?
Straight from the SCGOP registration page.
Isn’t it interesting …….
—–
SCGOP Disclaimers:
“The 2025 State Convention will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, located on 1101 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201.”
“The Convention will gavel in at 11:00AM with credentialing beginning at 9:30AM.”
“Each Delegate will only be able to purchase ONE ticket per person.”
“We have a zero guest policy. Unless you are a State Delegate or State Alternate, you will be denied entry to State Convention.“
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SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
Jeff Davis on In Depth with Mason Sims – 4/24/2025 (HERE)
There is a lot going on in the way of discussion about (#1) the SC Senate’s Railroading of Treasure Curtis Loftis (or really the railroading of “US”) … & (#2) the SCGOP Convention on May 3rd.
Here is a quick live podcast video of Jeff Davis on In Depth with Mason Sims from last that we think you may enjoy.
Podcast Live Video: HERE
If you have any questions, concerns or thoughts … just let us know at team@mySCGOP.com.
The SC Senate’s Railroading of “US”: HERE
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Jeff Davis is co-founder of mySCGOP.com. Jeff is a ’89 graduate of The Citadel and in 1993 received his Law/MBA from USC. A tax attorney / CPA licensed in Georgia, Jeff is an uncompromised school choice advocate for K-12 children with special needs. Originally from Charleston, and having practiced in Atlanta, Jeff and his wife Olga now live in Greenville. Jeff completed his two year term as Greenville County Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as GCRP State Executive Committeeman.
Jeff is also “barred” from attending the SCGOP State Executive Committee Meetings (HERE). Why? Because he dared to run against Drew McKissick for SCGOP Chairman – coming in 2nd with Drew only being reelected by 1.8% (HERE & HERE) – and in September 2021 he told the State Executive Committee that Chad Connelly had been under SLED investigation for a year and a half … and it was true (HERE & HERE).
Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.
SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
4/21/2025 YouTube Live Stream: HERE
Yesterday was 10 hours and 15 minutes of pure railroading of the most popular elected public official in the State of South Carolina … Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
At the end of the night, “our” SC State Senators voted 33 to 8 in favor of S 534 (HERE) … a Concurrent Resolution on the “removal” of Curtis Loftis.
But none of this had to do with Curtis Loftis … if had to do with YOU … with US.
If you watch the video you can tell the utter distain our SC State Senators have for US and our opinions. We had over 400 simultaneous viewers on our live stream yesterday … all furious about what they were witnessing. Many had never actually watched a video of the proceedings at the SC Statehouse … never seen what really happens in Chambers on the live feed. Well, now they have, and now they know exactly how bad it is.
We have watched this for just over 10 years in our School Choice battle. Yesterday was no different. The Senate had it’s mind made up BEFORE the proceedings started … and nothing was going to change the outcome. It was all about the MONEY … and their petty vendettas … it had nothing to do with what is right morally, ethically, or legally … it was all a show.
Anyone watching saw the terrible opening performance of Senators Grooms & Goldfinch. We then all witnessed the brilliant performance of Treasurer Loftis and his representatives / lawyers. Curtis and his TEAM laid out his case and we all thought it was over … slam dunk … Curtis was vindicated.
Then the rest of the Senators got their “10 minutes each of Q&A” … and it became obvious the outcome was predetermined.
The final vote was 33 to 8 (with 5 excused absences).
But even the 8 that voted in favor of Treasurer Loftis … they all sat there relatively silent knowing the “fix was in” … just like so many times in our school choice fight. It was a railroading because that is what THEY all wanted.
This was not about Curtis Loftis … this was about POWER, CONTROL, MONEY … and petty personal VENDETTAS … and now a lot more people have seen it first hand.
Let’s hope this is the “Shot Heard Round the WORLD” for South Carolina citizens to wake up to the problem which is our SC State Legislature – especially the SC Senate. Not some of them, not a few in leadership … not just the ones who voted against Curtis Loftis … but (sadly) every single one of them. Silence is compliance. Where was any elected SC Senator FIGHTING for Curtis Loftis … or US … yesterday? They were all responsible.
NOW … get ready and watch the #FakeNewsMedia and everyone else who “benefits” from getting rid of Curtis will start to pile on. Watch some (who have been shafting The People as well) try to reap some positive brownie points out of this to help ingratiate themselves with the grassroots as they claim outrage and try to come to Curtis’ defense. None of this is complicated once you see the mental manipulation that goes on in politics in general, and SC politics specifically.
More to come on this for sure … stay tuned.
Watch the Recording:
YouTube: (HERE)
X: (HERE)
FaceBook: Part 1 (HERE), Part 2 (HERE)
The Vote:
Vote on S534 (4/21/2025): HERE
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
Jeff Davis is co-founder of mySCGOP.com. Jeff is a ’89 graduate of The Citadel and in 1993 received his Law/MBA from USC. A tax attorney / CPA licensed in Georgia, Jeff is an uncompromised school choice advocate for K-12 children with special needs. Originally from Charleston, and having practiced in Atlanta, Jeff and his wife Olga now live in Greenville. Jeff completed his two year term as Greenville County Republican Party Chairman and is currently serving as GCRP State Executive Committeeman.
Jeff is also “barred” from attending the SCGOP State Executive Committee Meetings (HERE). Why? Because he dared to run against Drew McKissick for SCGOP Chairman – coming in 2nd with Drew only being reelected by 1.8% (HERE & HERE) – and in September 2021 he told the State Executive Committee that Chad Connelly had been under SLED investigation for a year and a half … and it was true (HERE & HERE).
Send us your opinion on this great debate … and how you would like to see it solved … by emailing us at team@mySCGOP.com.
SUSTAINING & INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS:
Make a Charitable Donation TODAY: HERE
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