Written by Blake Mathews
In an announcement today in chapel, Student Association President Bryan Clifton formally stepped down from his position and told the Harding student body that he would be leaving the university.
According to Clifton, his resignation and departure were “consequences of [his] actions” and the disciplinary measures brought against him by Harding.
“I made a mistake and broke a rule of the university,” Clifton said.”I hope that others can see what has happened to me because of my momentary lack of judgment, and then learn from the situation.”
Clifton did not elaborate on the charges against him in his announcement, but rather spent his last address to the student body encouraging people to deal with their vices and reach out to others for help.
“Bear each other’s burdens. Confess your problems and struggles with one another,” he said. “Walk together and help each other grow closer to Christ in everything you do.”
Clifton appeared overcome with emotion as he thanked the people who had supported him after his sentence was handed down Wednesday. He then urged students to use the time they have left at Harding to develop their own relationships and “to not take for granted those friendships you have made here.”
Under Clifton’s leadership, the SA championed the case of Christine Clemons, a toddler in need of a lung transplant, and treated students to an ice rink on the front lawn last December. Most recently Clifton had dedicated the SA’s resources to helping Haiti through the Tents and Tarps program, which has already sent hundreds of shelters directly to quake-hit areas.
As for his future plans, Clifton told the Bison that he plans to leave for Haiti Monday.
To view the entire text of Clifton’s announcement,click here.
