Falwell celebrates a ‘huge win’ in Liberty University settlement, readies return to public life – Washington Examiner
Virginia’s Liberty University and its former president, Jerry Falwell Jr., have reached a settlement in their lengthy legal dispute, which Falwell describes as a “huge win.” The settlement, finalized after nearly four years of litigation, resulted in an apology and a retirement and severance agreement for Falwell. In a joint statement, both sides acknowledged and regretted the painful process, taking responsibility for their respective mistakes during Falwell’s tenure. The statement highlights Falwell’s significant contributions to the university over his more than three decades of service, particularly during his 13 years as president, during which he helped elevate Liberty to a prominent Christian institution. The agreement prohibits further disclosures about the settlement details, but sources indicate it is a favorable outcome for Falwell.
Falwell celebrates a ‘huge win’ in Liberty University settlement, readies return to public life
Virginia’s evangelical Liberty University and former President Jerry Falwell Jr. have ended their legal battle in a deal that appears to be a “huge win” for the son of the institution’s founder, Jerry Falwell.
While Falwell told Secrets on Tuesday that the settlement announced last Friday after a nearly four-year fight made for “an extremely happy day for everyone involved,” he received an apology and “retirement and severance” from the university in Lynchburg, Virginia.
In a five-paragraph statement, Falwell and Liberty’s trustees said, “The university appreciates and acknowledges the many contributions of Jerry Falwell Jr. during more than three decades of service to the University in various capacities, including his 13 years as president, and agree that he was instrumental in building Liberty into the world-class Christian institution it is today.”
It added, “Both the university’s Board of Trustees and Jerry Falwell Jr. sincerely regret the lengthy and painful litigation process, and each take responsibility for their part in the disputes. Falwell acknowledges and apologizes for the errors in judgment and mistakes made during his time of leadership. The Board of Trustees acknowledge and apologize for the errors and mistakes made on their part as well. The Trustees and Falwell are committed to move forward in a spirit of forgiveness and with the hope of reconciliation in a Christ honoring manner.”
Under the agreement, neither side is allowed to offer any further details.
But a source familiar with the settlement negotiations told Secrets, “This is a huge win for Jerry Falwell and a very good deal for Liberty University where they can move on from toxic litigation and support the continued growth of the university that Falwell built beyond anyone’s imagination from his father’s original vision.”
Under Falwell, Liberty expanded into a nationally recognized college and political player.
But in August 2020, he resigned after a couple of scandals put him and the school in poor light. The relationship between the school and Falwell got worse when each sued the other.
During that time, Falwell was also sidelined with a long-term illness.
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Now, he is eyeing a public return and may hit the campaign trail for his friends, including former President Donald Trump, who was a frequent visitor of Liberty and who called Falwell just before he was shot by a would-be assassin.
“Despite what all the pundits said, Jerry Falwell Jr. has an opportunity to become a major conservative influencer once again,” an ally said.
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