Governor 'deeply concerned' about report on Seton Hall president's handling of abuse claims
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expresses his deep concern over the allegations surrounding Seton Hall University’s new president, Monsignor Joseph Reilly, in connection with a secret report on sexual abuse. While Monsignor Reilly himself was not directly accused of abuse, investigators in 2019 found that he was aware of sexual abuse allegations but did not report them appropriately. As a result, an action plan recommended that Reilly should not hold leadership positions within the university.
Call for Transparency
In response to these findings, Governor Murphy is among the many voices calling for Seton Hall University to release the full report to the public. He believes that transparency is crucial in such matters, and spokesperson Natalie Hamilton emphasized the governor’s stance on the issue.
Despite the recommendations from the investigative report, the university’s Board of Regents unanimously appointed Reilly as the president. This decision has sparked criticism from various political figures, including State Senator Joseph Cryan and Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who are advocating for the release of the report.
Demand for Accountability
In a joint statement, Senators Joseph Vitale and Andrew Zwicker called for Reilly’s resignation, citing his alleged mishandling of sexual abuse allegations as unacceptable. They demand immediate action from Seton Hall University to address the situation and uphold justice for survivors.
Following decades of sexual abuse allegations involving former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the university commissioned a report to investigate the matter. Despite the controversy surrounding Monsignor Reilly, the Board of Regents has expressed support for him, highlighting his character and integrity.
Continued Scrutiny
Reilly’s past actions, including his handling of sexual abuse claims during his tenure at the Immaculate Conception Seminary, have come under intense scrutiny. The investigation revealed instances where Reilly failed to adhere to university policies regarding sexual misconduct and harassment.
Seton Hall University’s commitment to addressing these issues and supporting survivors remains a focal point of the ongoing discussions. The demand for transparency and accountability underscores the importance of ethical leadership within educational institutions.
