The University of Notre Dame has opened an external investigation into sexual misconduct allegations involving a former campus priest who led one of its residence halls for nearly two decades.

The university announced on September 24 that it has appointed an outside legal expert to examine allegations against Father Thomas King, CSC, the former rector of Zahm Hall from 1980 to 1997, following public accusations and renewed demands for accountability from alumni, as CNA reports.

According to the university’s statement, the allegations prompted the formation of a special committee to supervise the inquiry, which will be led by Helen Cantwell, an experienced attorney from Debevoise & Plimpton. Officials described her background as well-suited to handling sensitive investigations of this nature.

Priest Served Dorm Hall Role for 17 Years

Father Thomas King served as the rector of Zahm Hall, a men’s residence hall on Notre Dame’s campus, from 1980 until 1997. In that role, he would have lived in the dorm and worked closely with students as part of the university’s residential life system.

The allegations became public after David Tybor, a 1998 Notre Dame graduate, posted on Facebook on September 8 that he and several others had experienced abuse while living in Zahm during King’s tenure. Tybor wrote that they were “hazed, harassed, raped, and assaulted.”

Tybor said he is now leading a group of former Notre Dame students who have reported similar experiences. He invited others to share their stories and stated, “We’ve collected scores of stories and are curious to hear more.”

Alumni Claims Prompt University Action

In addition to his time at Zahm, Tybor claimed that King played a significant role in a transfer program connecting Holy Cross College with Notre Dame, suggesting that King's influence may have extended beyond just Zahm Hall residents.

Tybor further alleged that university officials may have known about the abuse as early as 1995 or 1996. He did not provide documentation of those claims, but his statements gained traction among alumni and the broader Notre Dame community online.

In a Facebook comment on September 19, he thanked supporters and encouraged continued public advocacy, stating, “Keep talking, justice is coming.”

University Announces Independent Review

On September 24, Notre Dame made a public announcement confirming that it had launched an independent investigation into the allegations. The notice was issued jointly by University President Father Robert Dowd, CSC, and Board of Trustees Chairman John Veihmeyer.

The university offered few details about the nature or scope of the allegations but emphasized its desire for any impacted individuals to be heard. “We are saddened that there are members of our community who may have suffered abuse while here,” the statement said.

The statement also added, “We hope that this external investigation will provide those who may have been affected with the opportunity to be heard.”

Criticism of Response and Push for Broader Change

The investigation will be overseen by a university-appointed committee and carried out by Cantwell, whom officials described as a professional with extensive experience in matters of sexual misconduct investigations.

As of now, Notre Dame has not disclosed whether Father King is still active in ministry or his current whereabouts. The university also did not say when or how it first became aware of the accusations.

In a September 25 statement to the Catholic News Agency, Tybor responded to the university’s announcement, stating it was “too little, too late” but also said, “Good that Notre Dame is doing this.”

Calls for Broader Institutional Accountability

Tybor added that he hoped other institutions that may have been connected to King would take similar action. He expressed a desire for more transparency and for other survivors to have the chance to come forward and begin a healing process.

He emphasized the importance of institutions playing a role in justice and recovery. “The other institutions where [King] may have committed abuse must also take action to help other survivors come forward and heal,” he stated.

Notre Dame has not made any specific findings available as the investigation is ongoing. University officials have committed to continuing the inquiry and to hearing from those who may have relevant information.