The dossier also contains statements from other female TMU students who described “very touchy” behavior by Reynolds, plus “many rumors” of his inappropriate behavior, especially with student athletes.
Dozens of current TMU students signed a petition in 2019, objecting to Reynolds requiring class members to meet privately with him. Students also cited a sermon Reynolds gave about sex, allegedly saying women should maintain their physical appearance to prevent husbands from straying. According to TRR, the university didn’t act on concerns listed in the petition.
In the dossier from Swinson’s attorney, former student Abbey Thompson Booke said, “The faculty members were ‘hush hush’ when it came to Reynolds…[who] believed he was above reproach.”
Swinson’s attorney indicated that Swinson isn’t the only victim. If Caner and TMU had practiced “due diligence,” Shein wrote in early 2024, “other female students would not have experienced harm.”
By speaking out, Swinson and other female alumna said they want to change the “culture of silence” at TMU. On the podcast, Swinson said she prays that the university will no longer “dismiss” victims’ stories and that “no other girl [will] be a victim on this campus ever again.”
ChurchLeaders contacted TMU to request additional comment. A spokesperson replied, “TMU will not have any further comment beyond the statement made by our Trustees this past Friday.” ChurchLeaders was unable to locate contact information for Reynolds. A Georgia reporter tracked him to a sandwich shop in Texas; after the reporter identified himself, Reynolds apparently hung up the phone.
