Becki Tilley

 In the succession plan that the elder Falwell laid out before his death, Jerry Jr. was to be given the responsibility of Liberty University while Jerry Sr.'s other son, Jonathan Falwell, inherited the pastorate at Thomas Road Baptist Church. The decision-making process was based on their personalities. Jerry Jr. was more business-oriented, while Jonathan had a more charismatic personality. Jonathan was more interested in ministry and had better business sense. The succession plan was put into place at the time Jerry Sr. passed away in 2007. Liberty University came under controversy for its control of the authoritarian of students and employees and nepotism toward Falwell family-owned businesses in school's investments and the increasing influence of Falwell's wife Becki over school matters. Beginning in 2001, Falwell had established two companies for the purpose of making property deals with Liberty-affiliated non-profits and his sons and wives were employees of Liberty University. [9] A 2019 Politico article described the university as an institution of "dictatorship" where Falwell ruled through fear; it also stated that the school had offered merchandise to promote Donald Trump's presidential campaign and that Falwell Jr. was involved in sexist conversations about his sexual life at work and had shown others Liberty employees provocative photos of his wife. [7] Falwell's leadership was also criticized in a letter Jamie Raskin and Andy Levin signed to Betsy DeVos. It claimed that Falwell personally prevented students from writing critical columns on behalf of Trump. [10][11] In an Reuters investigation that was published in August 2019, Falwell was accused of signing a real estate deal that gave the athletic facilities of Liberty University to his personal trainer. The letter, which was signed by Jamie Raskin and Andy Levin to Betsy deVos, claimed that Falwell himself obstructed students from writing critical pieces about Trump. Reuters published a report claiming that Falwell was often watching Falwell perform sexual acts with his wife. On the same day, August 24 It was reported by Reuters that Falwell quit from Liberty University. [15] Falwell rejected the report immediately, and Liberty University said that talks were still ongoing. On August 25, Both Falwell as well as Liberty University have confirmed he had resigned.Because Falwell is resigning from his position without a formal accusation or confession of any wrongdoing, Falwell will receive an $10.5 million severance package.After his departure, Liberty opened an investigation regarding his personal involvement in the school's finances and real estate. Any transactions that benefit a person could affect Liberty's tax-exempt status. In October, 2020, Falwell sued Liberty University to tarnish his reputation, however, in December 2020, he dropped the suit. On the 15th of April, 2021, Liberty University sued Falwell for damages of $40 million for breach of contract and violation of fiduciary duty. [19] Falwell has reopened the defamation suit against Liberty University in November 2021.