Supporting potential victims

“Enough with evading the issue, LMU. Be transparent. Tell us the facts. Hopefully, even with this information, no one at LMU during [Brother William J.] Farrington [S.J.]’s time at the University will come forward. But, with the unfortunate chance that that is not the case, give them the opportunity to tell their story. Reporting abuse takes innumerable levels of strength. Show that you care. Extend your hand.”

hose words formed the conclusion of the Loyolan’s board editorial just 10 days ago (“Enough with evading the issue, LMU,” Sept. 17, 2012), urging the University to take action in the wake of the allegations of sexual abuse against former LMU employee Farrington at his previous schools, Bellarmine College Preparatory and Jesuit High School (as reported in the Sept. 17 Loyolan article “Jesuit accused of sexual molestation spent 15 years working at LMU”). On Tuesday, President David W. Burcham extended that hand in two separate letters: one to the current LMU community (reprinted below) and one to alumni who attended LMU from 1987-2002, when Farrington worked here.

Burcham informed recipients in both letters of Farrington’s time at LMU and of the allegations, which were deemed “credible” by the presidents of both Bellarmine Prep and Jesuit High. The letters also made clear that no claims of abuse at LMU have surfaced, and that he was reassigned to the Jesuit Retirement Community in Los Gatos, Calif. following a complaint from an alleged victim at one of Farrington’s previous schools. Addi...

 

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