Gonzaga report on Catholic sexual abuse crisis recommends next steps, way forward for healing and justice

This week, Gonzaga University released a report and recommendations from its Commission on the Academic Response to the Catholic Sexual Abuse Crisis.

According to the Commission’s webpage, it was created in 2019 to identify, discuss and make recommendations regarding formal actions the university should take in response to the crisis of clergy abuse in the Catholic Church, in particular, in light of priests with credible allegations of abuse who had ties to Gonzaga – including those who once lived at Cardinal Bea House.

The Commission grouped its recommendations into five key areas: Academics, Memorials and Liturgies, Mission Identity, Policy and Procedure, and Tribal Relations. Specific recommendations include:

• A memorial honoring all those who have been victims of Catholic sexual abuse, including those who have been mistreated by Jesuits sent to live under safety plans at Cardinal Bea House.
• More formal protocols between the University and the Society of Jesus concerning the assignment of the Jesuits to Gonzaga.
• Greater support for Indigenous and Indigenous students in Gonzaga, which includes scholarship funding and student support, as well as promoting open communication.
• Funding of faculty research and academic activities on this topic.

“I am deeply grateful for the time and thought that the Commission has devoted to this important and complex issue,” Gonzaga President Thayne McCullo said in a press release. “My hope is that this document guides our decisions and actions as we demonstrate our solidarity with victim-survivors, deepen our understanding of systemic abuse within the Church and its far-reaching impacts, work together as community to treat and, if possible, repair trust and advance the apostolic and educational mission of the University of Gonzaga.

Gonzaga has already made progress on several recommendations. In September 2020, the university renamed and re-dedicated the former Center for Native American Studies to sčintxw Native American Cultural Center. The Salish word, pronounced s-CHEEN-t-wh, describes a place where Aboriginal students can feel at home. This fall, the University will commemorate the Center’s first anniversary with a forum to hear and amplify the voices of Indigenous students.

The Commission also recommended the creation of a fund to devote $ 10,000 per year to faculty research and academic activities related to the topic of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. After receiving the report, McCulloh adopted the recommendation and approved a minimum of $ 15,000 for the new Catholic Social Justice and Sexual Abuse Fund. Beginning in this academic year, faculty can apply for a grant for independent research, bring academics to campus, or generate other collaborative engagements.

Additionally, McCulloh authorized an academic steering committee recommended by the Commission to ensure the successful implementation of the report’s recommendations. The Steering Committee will be informed by working groups comprising faculty, staff, students and other community representatives.