A former teacher from Boston College High School, who also served as a Jesuit priest, faces a grave accusation of child rape, the Suffolk District Attorney's office disclosed yesterday on June 5. The grand jury of Suffolk County indicted 62-year-old Kevin White with the charge related to an incident involving a student that allegedly took place during the 2008 to 2009 academic year. The indictment dropped last Friday, as the District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, points to a misuse of the substantial influence that educators and religious figures wield over the young minds they are meant to guide and protect.
White, who taught theology at the prestigious private school, will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court on June 27, facing one count of rape and abuse of a child, according to information released by the Suffolk District Attorney's Office. White was previously living outside of Massachusetts from 2010 until recently, in 2021. Additional information is anticipated to come to light at the time of his arraignment.
Hayden, acknowledging the special place of trust that teachers and religious leaders hold, assured ongoing support for the former student as the judicial process unfolds. "All teachers, and all religious officials, are figures of authority and have a professional and moral obligation to always wield that authority properly and appropriately. Our office will provide this former student continual support as this case moves forward," he said, in a statement that aligns with the heavy responsibility imposed upon those entrusted with the care of youth. This case brings to the fore the delicate balance of power and the potential for its deeply damaging misuse.
The case emerges amid broader societal concerns about the safety of children within educational and religious institutions. While details regarding the allegations and the circumstances leading to the indictment remain scant, the charges highlight the distressing issue of abuse in settings designed for nurture and enlightenment. Parents entrust their children to schools and religious institutions, expecting a safe environment, only to discover, sometimes, breaches in that sacred trust. The community will be looking on as further details are expected to be disclosed at White's upcoming arraignment.
