Fired Wheaton College Chaplain Threatens Lawsuit

WHEATON, IL — Former Wheaton College chaplain Timothy Blackmon has threatened a lawsuit against Wheaton College, leading the college to provide more information about the accusations that led to Blackmon's recent firing.

Wheaton College initially said Blackmon was fired for making "racial" and "sexual" comments. In a subsequent statement sent to Patch, Wheaton College officials said the allegations included using a racial slur against a person of color, suggesting that a female employee sit in his lap during a meeting and "arrang[ing] to have a graphically illustrated manual of sexual positions called The Idiot’s Guide to Kama Sutra placed on a female staff member’s desk."

Wheaton College's statement alleges that Blackmon was given "multiple opportunities" to respond to the aforementioned allegations.

They further assert that Blackmon "admitted that his 'foolish' conduct was 'beneath the dignity of [his] position and not up to the highest standards of wisdom.'"

In his own statement, Blackmon said he was "blindsided" by the investigation that led to his ouster. He asserted that "there were no allegations of flirtation, inappropriate relationships, sexual misconduct or any sexual action towards anyone. At no time did anyone, either the complainant or any witness, communicate offense or discomfort. "

Blackmon asserted that the investigation into his alleged behavior was "not properly conducted or fairly adjudicated, nor were the proper human resources procedures at Wheaton College followed."

Blackmon added, "I have procured legal counsel and it pains me to consider taking legal action against the school I have been privileged to serve."