A recent investigation has found that the University of Notre Dame failed to adequately address allegations of sexual misconduct involving a former priest who served as a dormitory rector and faculty member at nearby Holy Cross College. The report, released last week, was commissioned by Notre Dame and prepared by the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton.

The investigation centered on Rev. Thomas King, who served at Notre Dame during the 1980s and 1990s. According to the findings, King engaged in a coercive practice referred to as a “weighing scheme,” in which he expressed concerns about the health of male students and required them to undress fully in a locker room before being weighed. The report states that several students were sexually touched or assaulted during these weighings, both at Notre Dame and following King’s departure from the university.

The report criticizes Notre Dame’s handling of the situation, noting that multiple individuals reported concerns and complaints about King’s conduct dating back to the 1990s. Despite these warnings, the university failed to take sufficient action to address the allegations or protect students.

As a prominent Catholic institution, Notre Dame’s response to such accusations carries significant implications for how religious and academic communities confront issues of misconduct. The law firm’s investigation recommends that the university implement stronger protocols to prevent and respond to abuse allegations in the future. The university has yet to issue a formal response to the report’s findings.