A board investigation of the former president of a controversial Oak Brook-based religious and home-schooling organization, who resigned following allegations he sexually harassed teen girls, concluded he acted in an “inappropriate manner.”
But “no criminal activity was discovered” to have been committed by Bill Gothard, according to a statement by the board of directors of the Institute in Basic Life Principles posted on its website.
The board said based on a review conducted by outside legal counsel, it unanimously agreed that “at this time” Gothard “is not permitted to serve in any counseling, leadership or board role within the IBLP ministry.”
That leaves open the question of whether the 79-year-old Gothard may be allowed to return one day as he did after resigning following another sexual scandal years earlier.
The ministry, which Gothard founded, has held seminars reaching millions and includes the home-schooling arm Advanced Training Institute International. It has operations in seven states and 12 countries.
Gothard resigned in March following allegations of harassment posted on the website Recovering Grace. Dozens of women told the site that they were sexually harassed by Gothard with unwanted touching. The three-year-old website was launched to help people who say they were hurt by Gothard and his ministry.
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SOURCE: Chicago Sun-Times
Francine Knowles
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