Full History Of Liberty University In Timeline From 1923

1923: Carter Glass Mansion Built

In 1923, the Carter Glass Mansion, also called Montview, was built for Carter Glass, a newspaper publisher, U.S. senator, and U.S. treasury secretary under President Woodrow Wilson. The mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Virginia Landmarks Register.

1964: Civil Rights Act Enacted

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was enacted, becoming a legal framework upon which subsequent discrimination claims could be based.

1971: Lynchburg Baptist College Founded

In 1971, Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns founded Lynchburg Baptist College. Jerry Falwell Sr., also a pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church, became the school's first chancellor.

1971: Liberty University Founded

In 1971, Liberty University, originally named Lynchburg Baptist College, was founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. and Elmer L. Towns in Lynchburg, Virginia. The institution is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

1976: Name Changed to Liberty Baptist College

In 1976, Lynchburg Baptist College changed its name to Liberty Baptist College. The change was intended to distance the school from the name Lynchburg, which was often mistaken as having associations with lynching. Falwell Sr. also wanted to use the name "Liberty" to coincide with the Bicentennial of the United States.

1979: Falwell Sr. Heads the Moral Majority

From 1979 to the late 1980s, Jerry Falwell Sr., the first chancellor of Lynchburg Baptist College (now Liberty University), also headed the Moral Majority, a right-wing political organization.

September 1984: Accreditation by TRACS

In September 1984, Liberty University was accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

1984: Name Changed to Liberty University

In 1984, Liberty Baptist College changed its name to Liberty University.

1985: Distance Learning Program Launched

In 1985, Liberty University launched a distance-learning program using VHS tapes, which was the forerunner to the Liberty University online program.

1989: Williams Stadium Opens

In 1989, Williams Stadium, the home field for the Liberty Flames football team, opened with a seating capacity of 25,000 spectators.

1990: University Debt Totals $110 Million

In 1990, Liberty University's debt reached a total of $110 million, leading to financial challenges.

1992: Possible start of underreporting crime statistics

The report states that the university's culture of "substantially and systematically underreported" crime statistics might trace back as far as 1992.

1994: Women's Federation for World Peace Funnels $3.5 Million to Liberty University

In 1994, Sun Myung Moon's Women's Federation for World Peace contributed $3.5 million to Liberty University.

1996: University Debt Totals $40 Million

In 1996, Liberty University's debt was at $40 million, an improvement from $110 million in 1990, but still a significant financial challenge.

1999: Informal relationship with Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia

Since 1999, Liberty University has had an informal relationship with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (Southern Baptist Convention); two of its members sit on the university's board of trustees.

2004: School of Government Named for Jesse Helms

In 2004, Liberty University named its School of Government after Jesse Helms, a former U.S. senator from North Carolina and a friend of the Falwell family.

2005: Barron's Ranks LU Admissions as 'Competitive'

In 2005, Barron's Profiles of American Colleges ranked undergraduate admission to Liberty University as "competitive", its fourth-highest of six ranks.

2005: Varsity debate ranking

In 2005, Liberty University's varsity debate team finished 20th in varsity rankings at the National Debate Tournament.

2006: Debate program ranks first overall

In 2006, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

May 15, 2007: Jerry Falwell Sr. Dies

On May 15, 2007, Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell Sr. died at his desk in the Carter Glass Mansion, which served as the university administration headquarters. He and his wife were buried on the mansion's rear lawn, and a memorial was placed there.

2007: Jerry Falwell Jr. Becomes Chancellor

Following Jerry Falwell Sr.'s death in 2007, his son Jerry Falwell Jr. became the second chancellor and fourth president of Liberty University. At this time, the university listed $259 million in assets.

2007: Liberty University Online Academy Formed

In 2007, Liberty University Online Academy was formed, initially serving 23 students.

2007: Debate program ranks first overall

In 2007, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

November 6, 2008: Resignation from TRACS accreditation

On November 6, 2008, Liberty University resigned its accreditation from the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS).

2008: Varsity debate ranking

In 2008, Liberty University's varsity debate team finished 12th in varsity rankings at the National Debate Tournament.

August 2009: Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre Completed

In August 2009, construction was completed on the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, a synthetic ski slope featuring Snowflex. Designed by England's Briton Engineering, it was the first of its kind in the United States.

2009: LU stops recognizing Democratic Party student group

In 2009, Liberty University stopped recognizing the LU's Democratic Party student group, stating that the Democratic Party platform conflicted with the school's conservative Christian principles.

2009: Recognition of Young Democrats Club Withdrawn

In 2009, Liberty University withdrew official recognition of the student Young Democrats club, citing conflicts between the club's political positions (such as support for abortion rights) and the school's values. The College Republicans club remained officially recognized.

2009: Debate program ranks first overall

In 2009, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2010: Largest Evangelical Christian university

As of 2010, when including online students, Liberty University was the largest Evangelical Christian university in the world.

2010: Liberty Students Receive Federal Financial Aid

In 2010, Liberty University students received approximately $445 million in federal financial aid, the highest total of any school in Virginia and among the highest in the country. This was a 56 percent increase over the previous year and mostly in the form of student loans but also included grants and other aid.

2010: Debate program ranks first overall

In 2010, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

2010: Accreditation by the American Bar Association

The Liberty University School of Law has been accredited by the American Bar Association since 2010.

2011: Overall acceptance rate

In 2011, Liberty University's overall acceptance rate, which includes online students, was 51 percent. Liberty University Online is an open enrollment institution.

2011: Website Access Blocked

In 2011, Liberty blocked campus internet access to the website of a local newspaper, the News & Advance, after it reported that the university received more federal financial aid than any other school in Virginia. The block was lifted one day after the financial-aid article was published.

2011: Decline in Black population

In 2011, Liberty's Black population was 19.9 percent.

2011: Debate program ranks first overall

In 2011, Liberty's Inter-Collegiate policy debate program ranked first overall for their division at the National Debate Tournament.

December 7, 2012: Hancock Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting

On December 7, 2012, the Hancock Welcome Center celebrated its ribbon cutting ceremony. It is a three-level, 33,000-square-foot Jeffersonian-style building.

2012: Donald Trump Awarded Honorary Degree

In 2012, Donald Trump spoke at Liberty University's Convocation and was awarded an honorary doctor of business degree.

2012: Merger to form the School of Music

In 2012, the departments of worship and music studies and of music and humanities merged into a school of music, composed of two distinct centers.

2013: Largest private non-profit university

As of 2013, Liberty University was the largest private non-profit university in the United States. In terms of combined traditional and distance learning students, Liberty University is the 7th-largest four-year university, and the largest university in Virginia.

2013: The Observatory Center Opens

In spring 2013, the Observatory Center opened next to the Equestrian Center, housing a 20-inch RC Optical Systems Truss Ritchey-Chrétien telescope and several Celestron CPC 800 8-inch Schmidt-Cassegrain telescopes. The observatory serves instruction, public nights, and research purposes.

January 2014: Jerry Falwell Library Opens

In January 2014, the four-story, 170,000-square-foot Jerry Falwell Library opened, housing over 250,000 items accessible via a robot-assisted storage and retrieval system. The library features 150 public computers, group study rooms, and a media wall at its entrance.

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August 2014: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine Opens

In August 2014, the Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine (LUCOM) opened, funded in part by a $12 million matching grant from the Virginia Tobacco Commission.

July 2015: Liberty Mountain Medical Group LLC Opens

In July 2015, the college of osteopathic medicine opened Liberty Mountain Medical Group LLC, a primary care clinic serving the greater Lynchburg area.

December 5, 2015: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Convocation Speech on Concealed Handgun Permits

On December 5, 2015, during a convocation speech, President Jerry Falwell Jr. encouraged students to obtain concealed handgun permits, stating that it could help "end those Muslims before they walked in", in reference to the San Bernardino attack. This statement was met with public condemnation for singling out the Muslim religion.

2015: Denial of discounted tuition to same-sex and trans spouses of military personnel

In 2015, Liberty University denied the discounted tuition to same-sex and trans spouses of military personnel that it offered to heterosexual military couples.

2015: Revision of honor code to allow R-rated movies and M-rated video games

In 2015, Liberty University revised the honor code to allow students to watch R-rated movies and to play video games rated "M".

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2015: Formation of the Rawlings School of Divinity

In 2015, the Liberty University Rawlings School of Divinity was formed through a merger of the School of Religion with Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. The Rawlings School of Divinity offers a multitude of degrees and programs both on-campus and online.

2016: Donald Trump Speaks at Convocation

In 2016, Donald Trump spoke at the Liberty University Convocation.

2016: Textbook ordered with LGBTQ+-focused content omitted

In 2016, Liberty University ordered a version of a psychology textbook that omitted sections with LGBTQ+-focused content.

2016: Censorship of Anti-Trump Opinion Column

In 2016, a student editor reported that Jerry Falwell Jr. censored an opinion column criticizing Donald Trump for his lewd comments caught on an Access Hollywood tape.

2016: Ranked "Most Conservative College in America"

In 2016, niche.com ranked Liberty University as the "Most Conservative College in America".

May 2017: Donald Trump Receives Honorary Degree

In May 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump was the keynote speaker at Liberty University's commencement, where he received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

August 2017: Liberty University Program Offerings

As of August 2017, Liberty University offered over 550 total programs, with 366 on campus and 289 online. There were 144 graduate programs and four doctoral programs offered on campus.

2017: University Endowment Exceeds $1 Billion

As of 2017, Liberty University's endowment stood at more than $1 billion, and gross assets exceeded $2 billion, showcasing significant financial growth.

2017: Forbes Ranks Liberty University

In 2017, Forbes ranked Liberty University No. 585 of 650 "Top Colleges", No. 231 as a "Research University", 371 as a "Private College", and 136 "in the South". Forbes also gave Liberty a "Forbes Financial Grade" of B+.

2017: Announcement of new Center for Law and Government

In 2017, Liberty University announced its new Center for Law and Government. The center will be led by former U.S. representative Robert Hurt and will house the Liberty University School of Law and the Jesse Helms School of Government.

2017: Liberty bought The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) facility

In 2017, Liberty University bought The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research (CAER) facility in Bedford, Virginia.

2017: Ray Rice invited to lecture on domestic violence

In 2017, Liberty University invited Ray Rice, who had been videotaped beating his fiancée three years earlier, to give a lecture on domestic violence.

2017: Debate Team sweeps national debate tournaments

In 2017, Liberty University's Inter-Collegiate policy debate team finished atop the final rankings of all three national debate tournaments for the eighth time, sweeping the American Debate Association, the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA), and the National Debate Tournament (NDT).

2017: Change to curfew policy

In 2017, Liberty University's curfew policy was changed to permit students age 20 and over to sign out and stay out past curfew.

2017: President Donald Trump's Commencement Speech

In 2017, President Donald Trump delivered his first college commencement speech as a sitting president at Liberty University.

2017: Indoor Practice Facility Opens

In 2017, an indoor practice facility was opened at Williams Stadium at a cost of $29 million, enhancing the training capabilities for the Liberty Flames football team.

2017: Undergraduate population demographics

In 2017, including online students, Liberty's undergraduate population was 51% White, 26.5% race/ethnicity unknown, 15.4% Black or African American, 2.3% two or more races, 1.7% Hispanic/Latino, 1.4% non-resident alien, 0.9% Asian, 0.6% American Indian or Alaskan native, 0.2% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander. The online male-to-female ratio is 40% to 60%.

2017: Student Protests and Alumni Diploma Returns

In 2017, some Liberty University students protested after President Donald Trump's remarks on the Charlottesville rally. Additionally, a number of alumni returned their diplomas to the university, calling on it to disavow Trump's remarks.

2017: Launch of the Lynchburg Torch

In 2017, student journalists became so frustrated that they launched an independent newspaper, the Lynchburg Torch, to cover stories the administration tried to suppress.

2017: Acceptance rate for new first-time students

In fall 2017, the acceptance rate for new first-time, full-time students entering Liberty's resident program was 30%.

February 2018: Freedom Tower Completed

In February 2018, the 17-story, 245-foot Freedom Tower was completed. It is the tallest building in Lynchburg, Virginia, featuring a 25-bell carillon that includes a replica of the Liberty Bell.

March 2018: Inaugural Competitive Swimming Event

In March 2018, the inaugural competitive swimming event, the 2018 TYR Junior National Cup, was held in the Liberty Natatorium swimming pool.

October 2018: Release of "The Trump Prophecy" film

In October 2018, Liberty's Zaki Gordon Cinematic Arts Center co-produced the feature film "The Trump Prophecy", which was shown in some cinemas. The film focuses on a retired firefighter who believes God revealed to him in 2011 that Donald Trump would become president.

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2018: Accusations against football player

From 2018 to 2022, a football player was accused of rape and of stalking a university employee, yet was allowed to remain on the team.

2018: Liberty University School of Law Employment Rate

In 2018, 82% of Liberty University School of Law's Class of 2018 obtained full-time, bar passage, or JD-required employment nine months after graduation.

2018: On-Campus Shooting Range Opens

In 2018, Liberty University opened a $3.2 million on-campus shooting range to train students for self-defense against shooters and terrorists.

2018: Enrollment Statistics

In 2018, Liberty University was among the ten colleges that enrolled the most undergraduates in the fall semester and, when including online students, enrolled the most students of any U.S. university.

2018: Growth in Liberty's School of Aeronautics

In 2018, Liberty's School of Aeronautics had more than 1,200 students in-person and online. Liberty has worked with American Eagle, Piedmont Airlines, and Wayman Aviation to alleviate their pilot shortages.

2018: Jimmy Carter's Commencement Speech

In 2018, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University.

2018: Ranked "Most Conservative College in America"

In 2018, niche.com ranked Liberty University as the "Most Conservative College in America".

2018: Students Support Trump's Nominee and First Lady's Visit

In 2018, some Liberty University students traveled to Washington, D.C., to support President Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh. Later that year, students gave a standing ovation to First Lady Melania Trump and several Trump cabinet officials during a town hall about the drug epidemic held at the university.

2018: Rejection of student government resolution

In 2018, the administration at Liberty University rejected a resolution from the student government that would have allowed off-campus drinking, "profane language", and the use of tobacco.

2018: Initial accreditation from AOA-COCA and launch of first residency program

In 2018, the college received initial accreditation from the American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (AOA-COCA). Also in 2018, the medical school launched its first residency program, focused on neuromusculoskeletal treatment.

2018: Firing of Student Editors

In 2018, two student editors at Liberty University were fired, reportedly for running articles critical of Donald Trump. One of the editors also lost a $3,000-a-semester scholarship.

February 2019: Virginia Bar Exam pass rate

In February 2019, all graduates of Liberty University School of Law who took the Virginia Bar Exam passed.

2019: Decline in Black population

By 2019, Liberty's Black population had declined to 10.4 percent, with a graduation rate of 17% among full-time Black students.

2019: School of Business nearing completion of new building

In 2019, Liberty University's School of Business was nearing completion of a new 78,000-sq.-ft. building.

2019: Vice President Mike Pence's Commencement Address

In 2019, Vice President Mike Pence delivered the commencement address at Liberty University. The university also served as a satellite location for CPAC 2019, hosting several conservative speakers on campus.

2019: Former Editor's Description of a "Culture of Fear"

In 2019, Will E. Young, a former editor-in-chief of Liberty's Champion student newspaper, described a "culture of fear" at Liberty University and argued the school must address its past regarding race and inclusivity.

2019: Recollections of Will Young

In 2019, Will Young, a former editor of the Champion, recalled his experiences in a lengthy Washington Post article. He described censorship and thought-control imposed by school officials.

2019: Allegations of Online Poll Rigging for Trump

In 2019, reports from The Wall Street Journal and Inside Higher Education alleged that Liberty CIO John Gauger accepted cash to rig two online polls for Donald Trump before he became a candidate.

2019: FIRE Ranks Liberty University Poorly for Free Speech

In 2019, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education ranked Liberty University among the worst universities in terms of free speech, citing censorship and other factors.

2019: Operations conclude for the Lynchburg Torch

In 2019, the Lynchburg Torch student newspaper concludes operations after two years of covering stories the administration tried to suppress.

August 7, 2020: Jerry Falwell Jr. Placed on Indefinite Leave

On August 7, 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. was placed on indefinite leave from Liberty University following media reports and allegations of personal and professional impropriety.

August 24, 2020: Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Resignation

On August 24, 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. resigned from his position at Liberty University amid accusations of nepotism, racism, and various scandals. In the following year, the university sued him for $40 million in damages.

November 2020: Bob Good Wins Seat in US House of Representatives

In November 2020, Bob Good, a Liberty University graduate and athletics booster, secured a seat in the US House of Representatives, marking the first time a Liberty graduate has been elected to the House.

2020: Kenyon C. Knapp as Dean of the School of Behavioral Sciences

As of 2020, Kenyon C. Knapp was the dean of Liberty University's School of Behavioral Sciences.

2020: Falwell Jr.'s Presidency Ends and Criticism over Diversity

At the end of Jerry Falwell Jr.'s presidency in 2020, Liberty University reported over $2.5 billion in assets. Following Falwell's resignation, there was growing criticism over perceived resistance to diversity and Jonathan Falwell replaced David Nasser.

2020: Jerry Falwell Jr. Leaves Liberty University

In 2020, Jerry Falwell Jr. departed from his position at Liberty University amid allegations of sexual and professional impropriety. Subsequently, the university initiated legal action against him.

2020: Liberty University Enrollment Statistics

In 2020, Liberty University had approximately 15,000 students enrolled in its residential program and 80,000 online, marking it as one of the largest universities in the United States by total student enrollment.

2020: Reopening During COVID-19 Pandemic and Actions Against Reporters

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Liberty University allowed some students to return to campus after spring break, despite objections. When reporters investigated, the university pushed for trespassing charges against them.

2020: Diving Platform Collapses

In 2020, one of the diving platforms in Liberty Natatorium collapsed due to an unknown reason. Problems with the Daktronics race-timing system led to its replacement after just three years.

2020: Liberty Arena Opens

In 2020, the Liberty Arena opened as the home for the men's and women's basketball teams and women's volleyball. The $65 million, 125,000-square-foot space seats 4,000 spectators.

2020: Reform Efforts at Liberty University

In 2020, three reform efforts took place. A group of Liberty University alumni called Save71 was organized in an effort to reform the school. Three Liberty University athletes organized a Black Lives Matter protest on campus. Student leaders also created an online petition to shut down the Falkirk Center.

July 2021: Discrimination Lawsuit Filed by LeeQuan McLaurin

Also in July 2021, Liberty University diversity retention officer LeeQuan McLaurin filed a discrimination lawsuit against the school. He claimed that his supervisor's view that Christianity condemns homosexuality forced him to quit.

July 2021: Lawsuit Alleging Environment Encouraging Sexual Assault

In July 2021, Liberty University was sued by twelve anonymous women who alleged that the university created an environment that increased the likelihood of sexual assault and rape. The lawsuit described a student honor code making it difficult to report violence, condoning sexual violence, and retaliating against women who report.

October 6, 2021: Scott Lamb Fired for Reporting Sexual Assaults

On October 6, 2021, Scott Lamb, a former Liberty University official, was fired for reporting staff members' failure to report sexual assaults appropriately.

October 2021: ProPublica Report on Handling of Sexual Assault Cases

In October 2021, a ProPublica report found that Liberty University discouraged and dismissed students coming forward about sexual assault and neglected to report every case to the Title IX office. The report highlighted manipulation of statements, threats of punishment, and erroneous information given to victims.

2021: Residential student body demographics

As of 2021, the residential student body at Liberty University is 74% White, 5% Latino, 4% Black, 3% two or more races, and 2% Asian or Pacific Islander, less than 1% Native American, and 7% "other". Its male-to-female ratio is 45% to 54%.

2021: Prohibitions related to LGBT states of mind in The Liberty Way

As of the 2021 version of The Liberty Way, the student handbook, words and actions indicating "LGBT states of mind" are prohibited for students. Sexual relations are only permitted in a Biblically ordained marriage between a man and a woman.

2021: Jerry Prevo's Political Influence Goal

In 2021, Interim President Jerry Prevo expressed his desire for Liberty University to become a more effective political player by helping to influence elections, with the goal of electing conservative candidates.

2021: Lawsuit alleging failure to curb domestic violence and sexual assault

In 2021, a dozen anonymous women sued Liberty University, charging that it failed to curb domestic violence and sexual assault on campus. A 2021 ProPublica investigation found that "an ethos of sexual purity, as embodied by the Liberty Way, has led to school officials discouraging, dismissing and even blaming female students who have tried to come forward with claims of sexual assault."

2021: Class action lawsuit alleging discriminatory practices against LGBT students

In 2021, a former Liberty University student was part of a class action lawsuit filed against the U.S. Department of Education alleging that the institution should not be eligible to receive federal funding because of its discriminatory practices against LGBT students.

2021: COVID-19 Outbreak and Shift to Online Classes

In fall 2021, an outbreak of COVID-19 on Liberty University's Lynchburg campus forced all classes to go online-only for two weeks. Over 400 students and 50 staff tested positive, while the campus did not require vaccinations, masks, or social distancing.

2022: Liberty University Refuses to Rescind Honorary Degrees

As of 2022, Liberty University has not rescinded the two honorary degrees granted to Donald Trump, despite other institutions rescinding honorary degrees they had granted him.

2022: School of Education enrollment

As of 2022, the School of Education at Liberty University enrolled 4,441 students.

2022: Washington Monthly ranking

In 2022, Liberty University was ranked 428 out of 442 schools by the Washington Monthly.

March 31, 2023: Dondi Costin Named President of Liberty University

On March 31, 2023, Dondi Costin was officially appointed as the president of Liberty University.

July 1, 2023: Dondi Costin Assumes Presidency

On July 1, 2023, Dondi E. Costin assumed the position of president of Liberty University, succeeding President Emeritus Jerry Prevo.

2023: Report by the U.S. Department of Education

According to a preliminary 2023 report by the U.S. Department of Education reviewed by the Washington Post, Liberty University sought for years to conceal campus crime and safety statistics, allegedly violating the Clery Act.

2023: Replaced as "Most Conservative College in America"

By 2023, Brigham Young University had replaced Liberty University as the "Most Conservative College in America" according to niche.com.

2023: Endowment size

In 2023, Liberty University had an endowment of $1.71 billion, which was the 43rd-largest among U.S. colleges and universities.

2023: U.S. News & World Report ranking

In 2023, Liberty University was listed as 394-to-435th among "National Universities" in the U.S. News & World Report.

2023: Liberty Flames Join Conference USA

In 2023, Liberty University's athletic teams, known as the Liberty Flames, officially joined Conference USA as full members, marking a significant development for the university's athletics program.

2023: Opening of Jerry Falwell Sr. Center

In 2023, the Jerry Falwell Sr. Center: Inspiring Champions for Christ, is set to open and will be attached to the Hancock Welcome Center.

2023: U.S. Department of Education Allegations

In the fall of 2023, a preliminary report by the U.S. Department of Education alleged that Liberty University officials failed to report campus crime and safety statistics, destroyed evidence of assaults, and retaliated against an employee who raised concerns about Clery Act violations. Crimes covered up included sexual assault, stalking, and intimate partner violence. The report detailed acts such as wiping hard drives, shredding incident reports, failing to log a rape report, re-promoting an employee accused of assault, and allowing a football player to remain on the team despite accusations of rape and stalking.

March 2024: Liberty University Fined $14 Million for Clery Act Violations

In March 2024, Liberty University was fined $14 million for Clery Act violations. A report documented "serious, persistent, and systemic violations" by officials who discouraged students from reporting crimes, did not adequately respond to incidents of sexual violence, failed to inform the campus about criminal activities, and did not maintain an accurate list of crimes.

March 2024: Fine by U.S. Department of Education

In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Education fined Liberty University $14 million for its treatment of sexual assault survivors and the misclassification or underreporting of crimes.

July 2024: Lawsuit Alleging Title VII Violation for Firing Transgender Employee

In July 2024, Liberty University was sued for $300,000 by Ellenor Zinski, a transgender woman, who alleges that the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it fired her for being transgender. Liberty University contends that Zinski's contract was violated by knowingly breaking LU's policies that are based in their religious beliefs.

2024: Relaunch of Liberty Theological Seminary

In 2024, Liberty Theological Seminary, which administers the graduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and certificate divinity programs within the Rawlings School, was relaunched.

2024: Ranked 140 out of 196 law schools by U.S. News & World Report

In 2024, the U.S. News & World Report ranked Liberty University School of Law 140 out of 196 law schools.

2024: Liberty University a Member of Advisory Board of Project 2025

Liberty University is a member of the advisory board of Project 2025, a collection of conservative and right-wing policy proposals from the Heritage Foundation to reshape the United States federal government and consolidate executive power should the Republican nominee win the 2024 presidential election.

2025: Liberty University a Member of Advisory Board of Project 2025

Liberty University is a member of the advisory board of Project 2025, a collection of conservative and right-wing policy proposals from the Heritage Foundation to reshape the United States federal government and consolidate executive power should the Republican nominee win the 2024 presidential election.