Statement Regarding McCarrick Review  

Following credible allegations of the sexual harassment of seminarians by former Archbishop of Newark, Theodore McCarrick, between 1986 and 2000, Seton Hall University undertook, through two law firms, an independent unrestricted review. Pursuant to Title IX regulations and Seton Hall University policies, the findings of such reviews are confidential and provided to appropriate university personnel and law enforcement.

In a public statement on August 27, 2019, the University Board of Regents reported key findings of the report to the extent permissible under Title IX and University policy along with a commitment to take certain actions. The report found that Theodore McCarrick created a culture of fear and intimidation that supported his personal objectives and used his position of power as then-Archbishop of Newark to sexually harass seminarians. The actions outlined in that announcement have been implemented.

The action steps taken by Seton Hall include, but are not limited to, the following: exceeding compliance requirements by funding and hiring a Chief Equity, Diversity and Compliance Officer; hiring Title IX Coordinators for all three campuses; mandating annual Title IX training for all members of the University community; and advancing the structural relationship between the University, Immaculate Conception Seminary (an affiliated yet separate corporate entity) and the Archdiocese of Newark (an affiliated yet separate corporate entity) to enhance oversight, control and compliance.

Individuals, communities and parishes across the country have been egregiously affected by former archbishop McCarrick and others who have profoundly and forever negatively altered so many lives.

In 2018, Pope Francis wrote, "Looking back to the past, no effort to beg pardon and to seek to repair the harm done will ever be sufficient. Looking ahead to the future, no effort must be spared to create a culture able to prevent such situations from happening, but also to prevent the possibility of their being covered up and perpetuated."

Seton Hall University remains committed to advancing its mission and providing seminarians, students, faculty, priests, staff and administrators with a safe and welcoming environment to learn, live and grow.

Categories: Faith and Service