Investigation finds pattern of sexual abuse by former Notre Dame rector

The University of Notre Dame on Thursday released the findings of an external investigation that found instances of sexual abuse and a pattern of predatory behavior by former Zahm Hall Rector Rev. Thomas King during his time at the university and while teaching at Holy Cross College.

The investigation, conducted by Helen Cantwell of the law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP, was commissioned last fall by Notre Dame President Rev. Robert Dowd and board of trustees Chair John Veihmeyer. Cantwell is a former prosecutor in a district attorney’s sex crimes unit.

According to the report, King engaged in sexual abuse and predatory conduct from 1980 to 1997 while serving as rector of Zahm Hall. The investigation also identified instances of sexual abuse involving Rev. David Porterfield.

The law firm conducted 101 interviews over nine months with current and former faculty and staff of Notre Dame, members and leadership of the Order, current and former Holy Cross College employees, members and leadership of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend and the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Notre Dame and Holy Cross College alumni, and other witnesses.

Debevoise requested to speak with King, whose counsel refused the firm’s request for an interview, according to the report.

“We are deeply disturbed by these findings and wish to extend our deepest apologies to the victims for what they endured,” Dowd and Veihmeyer said in a joint statement. “The conduct described in this report is antithetical to everything Notre Dame stands for and to the dignity and respect owed to every member of this community.”

University leaders said Notre Dame will implement several measures in response to the findings, including a new oversight policy governing the tracking and management of reports involving sex-based misconduct or violence by individuals in positions of trust at the university. The policy will include accountability measures involving university leadership and the board of trustees.

Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross will also establish a formal process for sharing information about misconduct allegations involving priests affiliated with the congregation who are or were employed by the university. The university said those steps are in addition to its commitment to notifying relevant law enforcement agencies of reported misconduct in accordance with the law.

The university also plans to expand annual educational programming on sex-based misconduct prevention, reporting and response beginning in the 2026-27 academic year. University leadership will provide annual reports to the board of trustees on misconduct complaints and related prevention efforts.

Notre Dame announced the creation of a Counseling Support Program to provide therapy and mental health services for former students who experienced sexual abuse or misconduct in the circumstances described in the report.

“As a community, we must confront our deep sorrow and pain and redouble our efforts to become the Notre Dame we seek to be,” the statement said. “We also acknowledge that our work on these efforts must be ongoing and evolving.”

The university said Campus Ministry and the Office of the President will host opportunities for prayer and communal reflection in the coming weeks for survivors and the broader campus community.