Notre Dame’s Inadequate Response to Sexual Misconduct Allegations

A recent investigation, commissioned by the University of Notre Dame, has highlighted significant shortcomings in the university’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The report accuses the university of failing to take appropriate action against Rev. Thomas King, a former priest and dorm rector, despite long-standing accusations of sexual misconduct.

The investigation was conducted by the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton at the request of Notre Dame. It revealed that Rev. King engaged in a coercive “weighing scheme” during the 1980s and 1990s. Under this scheme, he expressed concern for the health of male students, insisting on weighing them in a locker room where he directed them to undress completely before stepping on the scale.

The report states, “Multiple individuals, some of whom were weighed, were sexually touched or assaulted by Fr. King, both at Notre Dame and after he left.”

The 25-page report criticized Notre Dame, a prominent Catholic institution, for its insufficient response to these allegations. Witnesses reported having lodged complaints against Father King with university employees as early as the 1990s. It also notes past instances of the university dealing with similar allegations against other priests.

Interviews conducted by the law firm involved staff from two departments that were supposed to handle such complaints. However, none of the employees recalled receiving these reports. In some cases, staff had heard complaints but failed to recognize the sexual nature of the “weighing” activities.