Edwards‘ hiring was announced last August, at a time when the Christian university in Lynchburg was facing tough questions about its commitment to diversity and inclusion. A tweet from former President Jerry Falwell Jr. invoking a blackface scandal that engulfed the state’s governor had prompted a rebuke from dozens of Black alumni. Several Black staff members resigned, several high-profile Black student-athletes announced transfer plans, and current and former students,as well as employees began openly criticizing the university’s approach to issues involving race. The lawsuit says Edwards moved his family from Texas for the job, executive vice president of management efficiencies and diversity, in part because he received assurances he would be employed at Liberty no less than 10 years or until retirement. Edwards is a Liberty graduate who was a star football player during his time there.