ASU investigation finds Hope Church violated multiple conduct policies

An investigation conducted by Arizona State University (ASU) into the operations of the on-campus religious group Hope Church found the organization to have violated multiple Code of Conduct policies. According to documents obtained by The State Press, the findings were communicated in a letter from the Dean of Students Office to Hope Church leadership in June.

The investigation revealed that Hope Church violated three ABOR policies and three ASU-specific rules. Among the violations were incidents of hazing that included “acts of mental harm, personal degradation, and embarrassment.” The University’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities initiated the probe after a group of Church members submitted a complaint in 2016, labeling the organization a “cult” 34 times in a 123-page document.

Stephen Wicker, a former Hope Church member and one of the students who authored the original complaint, expressed relief that the University took the matter seriously. “I think it’s good the University recognized that there was wrongdoing that happened,” Wicker said. “I’m glad that ASU took it seriously, I’m glad that they took some action and I hope that it’s enough that (Hope Church) realizes some of their errors and can maybe make some changes.”

Hope Church spokespersons stated they were pleased with the conclusion of the investigation. “We are very pleased that ASU has concluded their investigation,” the statement read. “We’re thankful that we can continue helping thousands of students each year and we remain committed to providing a faith-based community for ASU students. We will continue working closely with the Dean’s Office to ensure that we are in compliance with ASU policies and work together to serve the campus community.”

The University declined to comment on the investigation or the resulting violations. The findings included that Hope Church had access to student information through surveys performed by student organizations in which students did not have knowledge or give consent to allow the Church access. This is a violation of policies governing the use of information by University organizations.

The State Press previously reported in April that a parallel investigation into five student organizations—reported to be “front clubs” used by the Church for recruitment—resulted in a four-year probation for each club. The investigation that ended in June also found the Church to be in violation of University codes governing solicitation, student organization registration, and Memorial Union meeting room policies.

The investigation had “insufficient information to discern whether or not a violation” occurred for three other alleged Student Conduct Codes which govern stalking, discrimination, and “unauthorized solicitation.”

Source: Read the original report