By Joshua Lynch
The Spectator
January 14, 2009
http://media.www.su-spectator.com/media/storage/paper948/news/2009/01/14/News/Exclusive.Sundborg.Calls.Lawsuit.unfair.Denies.Allegations-3586862.shtml
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| Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., seen here in a picture from a basketball press conference, denies allegations that he covered up the sexual abuse of minors by Jesuits. |
THURS., JAN 15, 8:30 A.M.--Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. called a lawsuit filed Tuesday against him and other Jesuits "unfair" and "unfortunate" while denying accusations that he covered up sex abuse.
"While respecting the victims of sexual abuse, the claims that are made in the statements in this suit are simply false," Sundborg told The Spectator Wednesday. "I deny them. I would never, ever, in any situation […] leave young people in danger of abuse by Jesuits."
Sundborg said he had never heard of documents the lawsuit complaint alleges he destroyed, including what the victims' lawyers call the "Hell Files."
"Briefly looking at the filed suit, it doesn't seem that it's warranted that my name is inserted here, there and elsewhere," Sundborg said.
In fact, Sundborg said he believes his inclusion as a defendant in the lawsuit is nothing more than a ploy by the victims' attorneys to garner more media attention.
"That press conference," he said, referring to one held by the plaintiffs on the edge of Seattle U Wednesday, "would not have been held here except for the fact that I'm president of Seattle University, and they can use that as a means for a higher relief in the media."
Though the lawsuit garnered considerable attention from regional media, Sundborg said he spent the day after it was filed like he would any other.
"I've simply carried on in my ordinary way. Had meetings with people today. I've greeted students across the campus.
"The things that have come up in the last days do not have much of a personal hurt or reverberation in me. I feel good. I feel peaceful. I'm confident. I'm settled," he added.
Sundborg said he is most concerned for how this lawsuit will impact Seattle U. A university president needs to have a good reputation, he said, noting his own has been "extraordinarily fine or positive."
Sundborg, who was the provincial for the Jesuits' Oregon Province from 1990 to 1996, called the position the "greatest privilege" of his life. He said he never dealt with a sexual abuse of a minor case during his time as provincial. Attorneys for the victims have alleged that Sundborg let Henry G. Hargreaves, S.J. remain an active Jesuit despite knowing Hargreaves was an abuser.
Sundborg issued an official statement denying the allegations Wednesday but gave The Spectator the only interview he intends to give regarding the lawsuit, he said.
"I just have the belief that the students and faculty of Seattle University have the need to hear from me personally."
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