UPDATE: Sundborg named defendant in alleged sexual abuse cover up
Published: January 13, 2009
Updated: January 14, 2009
Seattle University President Fr. Steve Sundborg
It’s pandemonium down here at the Spectator office as we just broke the news that Father Sundborg, president of Seattle University, has been named as a defendant in a sexual abuse lawsuit. The victims, who are holding a press confrence tomorrow, allege that Sundborg withheld information and had a “hell file” containing very sensitive, not good information about Jesuit Priests and their exploits.
The more than 150 cases against the Jesuits that were settled in 2007 with a $50 million payout from the Jesuits did not previously name Sundborg as a defendant, but the current lawsuit claims that if he had acted on knowledge held in the files, at least one of the sexual offenders could have been stopped before they molested in the 1990s.
Stay with us for updates about the events as they become known.
I am disappointed the Spectator couldn’t have afforded Fr. Steve some decency and have reported this story with some compassion. I appreciate free and unbiased reporting, however named Fr. Steve is, the man is a dignified individual and President of our University. I had to read the entire piece to learn he’s not a defendant being accused of sexual abuse which is not the impression by the whole \Breaking News\ UPDATE:… Sundborg …sex abuse… 43 victims. Give me a break!
The way in which this information was communicated to the majority of SU students was misleading and unprofessional not to mention classless. The email stating in huge bold font “BREAKING NEWS: UPDATE: Sundborg named conspirator in sexual abuse lawsuit with 43 victims” certainly insinuates that Fr. Sundborg played a greater role than the actual article states, that he was one of the sexual perpetrators. I have already discussed this email and article with two other SU students on Facebook who did not take the time to read the article and thus had drawn horrific conclusions about Fr. Sundborg. The Spectator should handle matters such as these without such misleading its readers in such an unprofessional manner. The news is disappointing to be sure but not in the way The Spectator would have you believe.
Where is the social justice???
This man ABUSED his power, to protect others in power!
He should step down as president of SU, and a better replacement president should be put in his place!
-SU Alumni
I agree that I am VERY disappointed in the Spectator. They really should print a formal apology for misleading their readers. SHOW A LITTLE RESPECT!
If these allegations are remotely true — Fr Sundborg is unquestionably guilty of covering up child molestation and general child abuse when he should have been blowing the proverbial whistle. We at Seattle University celebrate whistleblowing in the name of justice in corporate settings. Why don’t we be consistent when it is one of our own?
He should be sued, exposed, and he should resign, as a remotely honorable man would. Remember, the cover-up enables the offense. We are talking about real people who were harmed through sexual assault by persons who abused power positions. If I were facing such allegations while in a position of power — I would resign. In fact, in the private sector, if he worked for say Alcoa as its president — he would be fired at this point. The board would can him.
Moreover: He has demonstrated a common scheme and / or plan a la’ RCW statute in his conduct towards priests given to pedophiliac behavior, as this is the second such allegation made. Hence, it is inappropriate for him to preside over an institution which is charged with the moral and educational building of young people along with securing their safety. Period.
Chairwoman Phyllis J Campbell and the Board of Trustees should move with quick dispatch to end this disgrace.
This man, Fr Sundborg, a man I have met a mere twice during my involvement with Seattle Univerity, is a moral coward if he doesn’t resign.
Let us not forget: Leaders are responsible for their underlings’ behavior. They must take action to correct foul behavior or they have bought such behavior. Every political liberal at SU who might defend this man now I am sure made just that argument regarding the soon to depart from the White House, President Bush, when it came to questions revolving around moral lapses during his Administration.
To be sure, the allegations in this case border on the surreal. ‘ Hell files?’ ‘ Conscienciously driven relocations for Pedophile Priests?’ Refusals to testify on the record in child molestation cases lending a profound question regarding ‘ May Fr. Sundborg really be trusted when it comes to his word, when he has chosen to not air his word in a court of law?’It all begs the question: What is going on here!?
These allegations are Hollywood-esque in nature. Hell, I am waiting for the ‘ dark chambers ‘ and ‘ star-lit rooms ‘ to materialize. This is Spielberg material. ‘ Hell files?’
What animal stands by as kids are being molested, if not sodomized? What moral coward says nothing — allowing a 12 year old to be raped by a man he chose not to report to law enforcement?
I know this: I will seriously have to reconsider all giving to Seattle University barring a new forthrightness by Fr. Sundborg and his Order regarding what they profess not to be in need of hiding behind their closed mouths and refusals to testify in civil proceedings alleging outright ungodly behavior towards innocents.
Agreed ( w / last comment ).
I guess the real question is: Where is Jim Sinegal and John Meisenbach on this. I doubt very seriously if anyone of their employees at Costco and The Meisenbach Companies, respectively, would last very long after such an allegation having been brought against them.
Jim and John and the Board of Trustees discredit themselves if they don’t request a resignation, as their own companies policies, if they confronted this there, would call for termination of employment, especially at Costco.