A Gonzaga University commission tasked with making recommendations in the wake of the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse crisis has released its report.The group recommended that the university change its vetting policies to ensure priests who have been credibly accused of sexual assault don't live on campus.
Gonzaga University’s Cardinal Bea House has housed several retired priests accused of sexual assault. The university created the commission to address that issue, as well as Gonzaga's larger role in harming Native children in 2019, after sexual assault accusations from many Alaskan Native women and girls against a now deceased priest gained new attention.
The report written by the 12-member committee recommended the university create clear protocols to vet priests who have sexual assault allegations. It called for the university to review places and funds named for people who have been accused of sexual assault. It also called for a memorial for victims of Jesuit priests.
The committee also recommended the university create more forums for Native students, as well as scholarships and collaborations with tribes.
In a statement on the university's website, President Thayne McCulloh said he accepts and endorses all of the recommendations.
