Notre Dame university investigation finds sexual misconduct by 2 former priests

The University of Notre Dame recently released the findings of an independent investigation that found two priests who served at the university engaged in sexual misconduct and groomed male students during the 1980s and 1990s. 

Notre Dame launched the independent investigation in September 2025 after alumni raised concerns about the university’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The investigation included 101 interviews and a review of more than 1,000 documents. 

According to the report, which was released May 28, investigators examined allegations involving Father Thomas King and the late Father David Porterfield, both members of the Congregation of Holy Cross who served at Notre Dame. The university's response was also under review. 

The report said investigators found Father King groomed and sexually abused male students while serving as a residence hall rector at Notre Dame for nearly two decades. It added that he subjected at least 15 students to a grooming “scheme” where he told students to remove their clothing before weigh-ins to obtain a more “accurate” weight. 

According to the report, the university's failure to initially recognize Father King's reported conduct as grooming when allegations surfaced in 2018 delayed efforts to uncover the full extent of his past abuse.

The investigation also found Notre Dame rehired Father Porterfield after he resigned in 1983 following a sexual misconduct allegation. According to the report, he later returned to serve as an assistant rector and assistant director of admissions before additional allegations surfaced in 1986. 

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, survivors said the report raises broader questions about transparency within Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross.