Oral Roberts Scandal; University president resigns
From the AP
The target of a financial probe, Oral Roberts University president Richard Roberts is stepping down following accusations he misused school funds.A statement from the chairman of the school's Board of Regents says Roberts resignation is effective immediately.
A $39,000 shopping spree at one store for his wife. A $29,000 senior trip for his daughter. And a stable of horses for his children.
Those are some of the extravagant items three former professors allege in a lawsuit that Oral Roberts University President Richard Roberts used school funds to acquire.
Roberts says the lawsuit amounts to "intimidation, blackmail and extortion."
The professors also charge that Roberts required students in a government class to work on Tulsa, Oklahoma, mayoral candidate Randi Miller's campaign. One professor says he was forced to quit after he warned Roberts that doing so jeopardizes ORU's tax-exempt status.
Roberts denies the accusation.
Today's statement says the evangelical school's regents will meet Monday and Tuesday to determine action in the search process for a new president. According to the statement, Roberts also expressed his feelings for the school, saying --"I love ORU with all my heart."
Roberts is the son of founder Oral Roberts.
Bill McCartney
