Board of Trustees convenes special committee
In a letter published on September 24, the University of Notre Dame Board of Trustees announced that they are investigating allegations of sexual misconduct by Father Thomas King, C.S.C., former rector of Zahm Hall.
The letter, co-signed by university President Rev. Robert Dowd, C.S.C. and John Veihmeyer, Chair of the Notre Dame Board of Trustees, shared “allegations that Fr. Thomas King, C.S.C., engaged in sexual misconduct while rector of Zahm Hall.” In response, the Board of Trustees “has convened a special committee to oversee an external investigation of the allegations and the University’s handling of any past complaints regarding Fr. King.”
The investigation will be led by Helen Cantwell, who has “deep experience in conducting sensitive investigations involving allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment, dating back to her service as a prosecutor in the Manhattan DA’s Sex Crimes Unit,” according to the Debevoise & Plimpton website. The Board’s letter notes that Cantwell “has not previously advised the University” and asks any victims or those with information regarding the allegations to contact NotreDameReview@debevoise.com. Along with publication, the letter was sent directly to alumni who resided in Zahm Hall during the alleged periods of misconduct.
Zahm’s legacy as a residence hall is complex. Established in 1937, the hall was officially closed in 2021, with university officials citing “several years of unsuccessful intervention to alter a troubling culture,” including vandalism, disrespect for university officials, and issues with COVID-19 protocol compliance. Following the hall’s closure, the building has been used as a “swing-dormitory” for students whose halls are under renovation.
Isaac Biese ’25, a resident of Zahm Hall before its closure, reflected on his experiences in Zahm to the Rover, saying, “I had no reservations about the dorm getting closed.” Biese cited one occurrence where other Zahm residents broke through his room door with a golf club in the early hours of the morning, which happened “somewhat frequently” in the hall. “As for the closure of Zahm in 2021,” Biese said, “I’ll say this: better late than never.”
Fr. King served as rector of Zahm Hall from 1980 through 1997. Originally from Illinois, King worked at both Notre Dame and Holy Cross College before taking a position at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Niles, Michigan. In 2019, King celebrated his fiftieth anniversary of ordination alongside many other Holy Cross priests.
While the university has not named specific allegations against King, some have surfaced online, in a discussion board for the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). Several users allege that Fr. King sexually abused them while they were students in his classes or residents of Zahm.
Fr. Dowd and the Board expressed hope that the external investigation “will provide those who may have been affected with the opportunity to be heard,” sharing that they are “saddened that there are members of our community who may have suffered abuse while here and may not have received the support, care, and love they deserve.” The press release of the joint letter adds, “The key findings of the investigation will be shared with the University community.”
Haley Garecht is a senior studying political science, constitutional studies, and Irish studies. She is originally from Philadelphia and now lives off-campus. Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns to hgarecht@nd.edu.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Subscribe to the Irish Rover here.
Donate to the Irish Rover here.