Lawmakers and victim advocates are calling for Seton Hall University’s president to resign after POLITICO revealed he was named in an internal report on sexual abuse allegations more than five years ago. They also want the Catholic university to release the findings as a measure of transparency and accountability.
A 2019 memo detailing the internal investigation, viewed by POLITICO, did not accuse the new president, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, of abuse. But it said he knew of sexual abuse allegations that he did not report. Investigators recommended, pursuant to a responsive action plan the school’s governing body adopted , Reilly be removed as a seminary leader and member of university boards.
Instead, he took a yearlong sabbatical , returned as a vice provost and, in November, formally became president of the New Jersey school.
“I simply have no tolerance for the normalization of sexual assault or support for those who cover up acts of predators. I have college-aged kids; this reporting is deeply disturbing to me,” said Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill , whose district includes South Orange, where Seton Hall is located. She is also running for governor of New Jersey.