GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Calvin University’s former president released a statement Wednesday days after filing a lawsuit alleging the university defamed him and breached his contract.
That lawsuit arrived following claims Wiebe Boer texted inappropriate messages to a non-student. The university previously noted the comments weren’t sexual but were “unwelcome and inappropriate.”
In Boer’s statement, released through his attorney, he says the text messages were made to someone he “considered a friendly acquaintance” in a span of 10 days.
“What could be considered flirtatious by one person could also be considered simply friendly or light-hearted by another,” Boer explains, going on to assert there was nothing morally wrong communicated in his messages.
“This person was also texting [my wife] in a friendly nature throughout this same time,” says Boer. “None of this is as nefarious as Calvin’s Board would have you believe.”
Boer says he awaits the court’s “fair and unbiased review” of the case.
Read Boer’s full statement below:
Boer Statement 4.17.24 by WXMI on Scribd
Meanwhile, Greg Elzinga, Calvin University's interim president, sent a letter this week to the Calvin community.
In it, he says, "I'm reaching out...with some troubling information that is very serious. Please take a moment to watch this short video message."
Elzinga references Boer's legal complaint against the university and threats to the physical safety of a member of Calvin's community that have transpired from it.
He goes on to say, "On Saturday evening, we became aware of multiple threats against a member of the administration who is named in the legal complaint. I want to be very clear — this must stop. Regardless of how you feel about the board's handling of Dr. Boer's resignation, it is never acceptable to threaten or attack other members of this community."
Click here to watch the full video.
READ MORE: Former president sues Calvin University, alleges breach of contract, defamation
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