An investigation commissioned by the University of Notre Dame found the Catholic institution lacked measures in addressing reports of sexual misconduct.
A detailed report accused Notre Dame of inaction against a former priest despite charges of sexual misconduct spanning years. These allegations surfaced during his tenure as a dorm rector and later at Holy Cross College nearby.
The investigation, spearheaded by the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton at the request of Notre Dame, revealed misconduct by Rev. Thomas King. He reportedly implemented a coercive ‘weighing scheme’ during the 1980s and 1990s. Under the guise of health concerns, he directed male students to locker rooms to undress for weighing.
‘Once in the locker room he would direct students to undress fully before they stepped onto a scale,’ the report revealed. ‘Multiple individuals reported sexual touching or assault by Fr. King both at Notre Dame and after leaving.’
The law firm’s 25-page report concluded Notre Dame, a leading Catholic university, neglected to sufficiently address allegations against Father King. Witnesses stated that complaints reached university employees as early as the 1990s.
These cases were not isolated. The report referenced two other instances of sexual abuse allegations against priests connected to the university.
Despite interviews with staff from two departments thought to have received complaints, none recalled doing so, the report noted. Additionally, some employees misunderstood the sexual nature of the ‘weighing’ complaints.
Florida Man Arrested for Allegedly Kidnapping Teen 
Investigation Underway After Tragic Fall at Yosemite’s Nevada Fall 
Heatwave in France Leads to Drownings and Deaths 
Montreal Shooting Leaves Police Officer and Suspect Dead 
Severe Weather and Notable Events in Focus 
Federal Report Reveals Design Flaws in Surfside Condo Collapse