E19: Sexual Assault at Bob Jones University

Erin Burchwell grew up as a faculty child on the campus of Bob Jones University.  She was a good student, compliant with the many restrictive rules. But after an older classmate assaulted her, and she decided to report the incident, her life was changed.  Erin talks about the varied responses she received from family, friends, faculty, and the university’s administration. We also learn why she decided to go public to the national media, and what she tells young people today. For 15 years, Erin taught high school and elementary speech, drama, art and theater. She’s a small business owner and the author of two children’s books. These days, she enjoys volunteering in schools, churches, and a women’s’ prison, teaching art and vocational skills. She welcomes any opportunity to tell her story, letting others know they are not alone in the world of survivors from oppressive religious institutions. To contact Erin: [email protected] BJUnity (mentioned in the episode): https://www.facebook.com/BjUnity/ More about Recovering from Religion Did you know Recovering from Religion has local support groups? https://www.meetup.com/pro/recovering-from-religion/#groups Looking for a therapist who will respect your views? https://www.seculartherapy.org/ Interested in meeting other people who have made the journey to recovery?  RfR is hosting a fall outing in Mars Hill, NC. https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/fall-excursion-2019 We want to hear your story. Use the RfR Podcast hotline: 209-294-0681 Or fill out the form at the bottom of the RfR podcast page: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/podcast