A recent report accuses the University of Notre Dame of failing to take sufficient action against a former priest who allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct over many years. Rev. Thomas King, a former dorm rector and employee at Holy Cross College, faces allegations dating back to the 1980s and 1990s.
The investigation, led by the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton at Notre Dame’s request, details a manipulative “weighing scheme” orchestrated by Rev. King. He expressed concern for the health of male students and insisted they undress in a locker room to be weighed. The report reveals multiple instances where individuals reported being sexually touched or assaulted during these weigh-ins, both at Notre Dame and later.
The 25-page report criticizes Notre Dame, a prominent Catholic university, for not adequately addressing the allegations against Father King. Witnesses indicated they had reported concerns to university employees as early as the 1990s. Additionally, this incident is not isolated, with the university dealing with similar allegations against priests in the past.
The report highlights interviews conducted with staff from two departments that reportedly received complaints. However, none of the staff members could recall receiving such reports. In some cases, the university staff who heard the allegations did not grasp the sexual nature of the “weighing.”
This report underscores the need for more effective response mechanisms to address and prevent sexual misconduct, especially in educational institutions.