Meachum School of Haymanot

"To the Meachum Community,

Dr. Bantu’s Presidential Sabbatical from the Meachum School of Haymanot

We would like to thank the Meachum and the broader Christian community for their continued prayers. We, the Meachum Board, are clear that the allegations against Dr. Bantu and their aftermath are equally consequential. As was already publicly known, in the wake of an internal investigation, Dr. Vince Bantu was put on leave. After a period of investigation, internal conversation, prayer, and consideration during his time on leave, the Board has come to the following conclusions: (1) We have no evidence to substantiate the allegations of polygamy and adultery against Dr. Vince Bantu. (2) We have, however, found areas of concern that warrant our support for Dr. Bantu’s unpaid presidential sabbatical of two years which requires a successful completion of a plan of accountability prior to reinstatement, if that is possible. These efforts aim to restore Dr. Bantu to his presidential duties and present to the Christian community a more fortified brother in Christ. 

While much of our internal investigations were a consequence of the allegations against Dr. Bantu, we recognize as an institution there are still internal conversations we must have to ensure that the institution is fully functioning and healthy. Dr. Bantu’s absence does not absolve us from the institutional responsibility of intra-communal dialogue.  The Board and the Meachum Community are committed to having an ongoing dialogue honestly and with Christian integrity. 

Last, we recognize that none of this has been easy. It has not been easy for those who brought forth the allegations, for the Bantu family, for the institutions of higher learning associated with Dr. Bantu, nor for the Meachum community. All listed parties need your prayers. We trust, however, that God, in his infinite wisdom, has given us a unique opportunity to help restore our brother while, at the same time, providing a potential model of what restoration could look like in an institution of higher learning. Therefore, we deeply thank those, known and unknown, who have committed to praying for and helping Meachum through this difficult time.

Respectfully, 

The Meachum Board"