Falwell ‘didn’t keep his word’ Over Liberty Closure, Lynchburg Officials Say

Pointing to Falwell’s dismissive comments about the outbreak’s severity, Baggett adds, “This foolhardy decision tracks Falwell’s conspiratorial thinking about COVID-19 and smacks of defiance.”

In response, Falwell tweeted a press release about safety measures and wrote, “Bet the ‘Baggett’ lady is embarrassed now!” Several people then defended Baggett, who’s taught at Liberty 17 years but is leaving this fall. Rachael Starke tweets, “What a shameful way to speak about a highly esteemed faculty member/woman who is risking much to make an informed appeal on behalf of your students and staff. Praying you’ll apologize.”

Liberty senior Christian Griffith says he returned to his dorm because his parents work at a medical center, which could pose a health risk. “I’m not going to leave [my room] unless I need to,” he says.

Bryce Grant tweeted, “President Falwell has done an excellent job of putting the university’s students first. As a student, I see our meals being prepared carefully, while standing in lines marked with spots to distance ourselves.” The campus, he adds, “is one of the safest areas around!”

Some Liberty students have complained about risky behavior, including “quarantine parties” and large meetups. Local health official Dr. Kerry Gateley, who says he’s fielded calls from concerned parents and citizens, urges university leaders: “Please let us help you do this as safely as possible from a public health standpoint.”