By Joshua Lynch
The Spectator
February 5, 2009
http://media.www.su-spectator.com/media/storage/paper948/news/2009/02/04/News/Update.Sundborg.And.Another.Jesuit.At.Su.Named.Defendants.In.Latest.Complaint-3614511.shtml
 |
| Seattle University President Fr. Stephen Sundborg at an Athletics press conference Jan. 1. Photo by Braden VanDragt |
Suit says Jesuit provincials covered up sexual abuse
THURS. FEB. 4, 12:42 A.M.--An addition filed Wednesday morning to a lawsuit against Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. alleges he and another Jesuit staying at the university covered up the sexual abuse of Native Alaskans.
The complaint, filed on behalf of 20 more victims, says Francis Case, S.J. and Sundborg knew some Jesuits had sexually abused minors but didn't disclose that information. Both Sundborg and Case were provincials of the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus. Father General Adolfo Nicolas, the highest ranking Jesuit, has also been served with papers asking that he share his knowledge of abuse by Jesuits in Alaska, according to Pat Wall, who represents the victims.
The original complaint also said the provincial's office held what is known as the "Hell Files," which may have included information on Jesuits accused of sexual abuse.
Sundborg denied the allegations and any knowledge of the "Hell Files" in an interview with The Spectator in January, after the original complaint in the lawsuit named him as defendant for allegedly covering up the abuse of 43 victims in Alaska. Sundborg was provincial from 1990 to 1996, and Case was provincial from 1984 to 1990.
"Fr. Sundborg has been quite disappointed at these allegations that are without basis and completely untrue," said Casey Corr, director of strategic communications at Seattle U.
Case could not be reached for comment late Tuesday night. Seattle U's directory names him as a member of Campus Ministry, but a statement issued by Mary Petersen, vice president and university counsel, said he is on sabbatical while awaiting a new assignment from the Oregon Province.
"He is living here on a temporary basis. He's not an employee of the university," Corr said of Case. "Nor does he have any official duties."
Case has been living in a residence hall on campus since last academic year.
Wall said at least four victims were abused by Jesuits when Case was the provincial.
Petersen said in a statement that Seattle University had no role in the alleged events in Alaska.
"Seattle University is a legally separate and independent entity from the Oregon Province of the Society of Jesus," she wrote. "The university is not owned, operated or governed by the Oregon Province."
Wall said more victims will be filing amendments to the complaint in coming weeks. He expects more than 100 total victims to have filed by the end of February. The latest addition brings the total to 63 victims.
"Hopefully in the next couple weeks," Wall said, "we'll be able file on behalf of another 60 or so victims."
Keep checking back at su-spectator.com for more details.
Click here to download the first lawsuit complaint as a PDF.
Click here to view a story about the first lawsuit complaint.
Click here to watch a video of abuse victims telling their stories.
Click here to listen to an excerpt of The Spectator's exclusive interview with Sundborg about the lawsuit.
Click here to read about students' reactions to the original lawsuit complaint naming Sundborg as a defendant.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.