An outside investigation at the University of Notre Dame has confirmed that a longtime campus rector sexually abused students and that the school mishandled concerns about him for years. Investigators describe a pattern in which Rev. Thomas King allegedly took male students to a locker room, ordered them to strip so he could weigh them, and in some cases went on to touch or assault them. The findings have triggered apologies from university leaders and fresh demands from survivors for fuller disclosure.
As first reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, the university hired New York attorney Helen Cantwell of Debevoise & Plimpton to conduct an outside investigation that included more than 100 interviews and a review of over 1,000 documents. The Sun-Times coverage outlined how the report’s findings reached the public and highlighted survivors’ calls for further action.
Investigators' findings
In a report to Notre Dame’s Board of Trustees, Cantwell’s team concludes that investigators identified 15 individuals who were credibly subjected to a "weighing" scheme at the Rockne Memorial Gym, where a rector allegedly directed students to undress before stepping on a scale. The report notes that, beyond the weighing practice, multiple witnesses reported sexual touching or assault by the same priest and that earlier complaints were not always recognized by the university as grooming or sexual abuse. These findings are set out in detail in the report Cantwell delivered to the Board.
Order list and omitted names
The Congregation of Holy Cross maintains a public list of clergy it deems "credibly accused" of child sexual abuse, posted on the order’s website and in related documents. Survivors and reporters have pointed out that neither Rev. King nor Rev. David Porterfield appears on that public roster. Critics say the gap between the order’s list and the report’s findings has only intensified calls for the order to expand transparency.
What the report says about David Porterfield
The Cantwell review also details allegations involving Rev. David Porterfield. According to the report, Notre Dame received at least one complaint when Porterfield was rector of Sorin Hall, and he resigned in 1983. He was rehired by the university in January 1984 as an assistant rector at Grace Hall and later worked in admissions. The report says a 1986 complaint led to Porterfield’s departure and that a 2011 review by the Congregation of Holy Cross limited his ministry and barred him from working at Notre Dame or with minors. Witnesses told investigators, however, that he later retained access to young men through AA retreats. The investigators also note that some recent reports were referred to civil authorities in 2025.
University response and new measures
University leaders have issued a formal apology and announced immediate changes aimed at improving oversight, reporting and survivor support. Reporting by The Observer outlines the university's new policy for handling reports against persons in positions of trust, a Counseling Support Program for affected former students, and a pledge to provide the Board with annual reports on how complaints are handled.
Survivors and critics say questions remain
Survivors and advocates told reporters they remain far from satisfied, saying some people who came forward were never interviewed and that not all accusers were invited to campus events meant to acknowledge harm. The criticism has been blunt: "They shouldn't be policing themselves, they clearly cannot," one critic told the press, underscoring calls for outside oversight and fuller disclosure of records and decisions. Chicago Sun-Times coverage captures much of that reaction.
What comes next
Local church and civic authorities have issued statements acknowledging the findings and emphasizing support for victims, while university officials say they will implement the report’s recommendations and expand information-sharing with the Congregation of Holy Cross. Journalists and local leaders note the potential for civil claims and the possibility of criminal review in some cases, depending on evidence and statutes of limitation. Advocates continue to press for a broader, independent accounting of past complaints. For regional coverage and the diocese's response, see local reporting by ABC57.
