BishopAccountability.org
	Disqualifying Touch Editorial Boston Globe May 23, 2006 http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2006/05/23/disqualifying_touch/ DR. ROBERT HADDAD should resign from his position as president of the Caritas Christi Health Care system. The recent finding that he sexually harassed four women, inappropriately hugging and kissing them, indicates that he lacks the judgment to be the top administrator of the six-hospital system. An independent lawyer found that Haddad had violated state and federal sexual harassment laws as well as Caritas Christi policies. A statement from the archdiocese said the lawyer concluded that, "Dr. Haddad's conduct while clearly improper was not of an exceptionally egregious nature." After consulting other lawyers, Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley and Caritas Christi's board agreed that Haddad should receive a stern reprimand and undergo sexual harassment training. One person who called for Haddad's dismissal was Helen Drinan, vice president of human resources at Caritas Christi. In a May 8 letter to O'Malley, Drinan wrote, "I implore you to accept the recommendation to terminate Dr. Haddad immediately, and remove him from the workplace. I further ask that you take whatever actions necessary to offer support and assistance to his victims." Drinan correctly argues that Haddad, as president, should be held to high standards. Indeed, given the church's history of sexual abuse scandals, leaders of the archdiocese and its affiliated organizations must reassure the public that this is a new era of integrity and swift response to charges of abuse. Haddad had been "counseled" by the human resources department that his behavior was "inappropriate," according to David Mandel, an archdiocese lawyer. But Haddad denied yesterday that any counseling took place, and there was no formal action such as a warning. Mandel says that the "stern reprimand" given this month was a further step in the "progressive discipline" that is part of Caritas Christi's policy. Haddad said in a statement yesterday that he was "stunned to learn that some of my actions may have been misinterpreted; at no time was I aware of making anyone uncomfortable." He said hugs and kisses "are expected in my Lebanese culture." But this month, new allegations of improper conduct by Haddad are being investigated. And Cardinal O'Malley has asked the Caritas Christi board to convene tomorrow night to consider the matter. Haddad could help by taking responsibility for his actions and resigning, letting his good administrative work live on and freeing Caritas Christi to focus on its mission of healing.
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