The University of Notre Dame said Wednesday that its board of trustees has convened a special committee to oversee an external investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct by a former rector.
The allegations are against Rev. Thomas King, who served as rector of Zahm Hall on the South Bend campus from 1980 to 1997. Further details of the allegations were not given.
Notre Dame said the external investigation will be led by attorney Helen Cantwell, a partner with law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP. Cantwell is based out of the firm’s New York office, and Notre Dame said she has not previously advised the university.
The investigation, the university said, will look at the allegations themselves and the university’s handling of any past complaints regarding King.
“As University leaders, our most important duty is ensuring the well-being of our students and all who come to our campus,” Notre Dame President Rev. Robert Dowd and John Veihmeyer, chair of the university’s board of trustees, said in a joint statement. “We 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 university is urging anyone with additional information on the allegations to contact Debevoise & Plimpson by email. Dowd and Veihmeyer said any information provided will receive “careful, fair, and serious attention.”
“Our hope is that this external investigation will provide those who may have been affected with the opportunity to be heard,” they said. “We recognize that moments like these can be difficult, and we are grateful for our community’s shared commitment to building a safe and healthy environment where all can flourish.”