Lawsuit Alleges 1970s Sexual Abuse at Fordham University; University and Archdiocese Accused of Negligence
NEW YORK – A lawsuit filed on Thursday accuses Fordham University and the Archdiocese of New York of failing to address sexual abuse allegations involving minors in the 1970s. The suit centers on Father John Joseph McCarthy, a priest who served at Fordham until 1992 and has since passed away. Alleged victims, who were not college students but local Bronx minors, claim McCarthy used university facilities to lure them to the campus.
One alleged victim recounted a disturbing encounter with McCarthy, revealing that he was invited to spend the night at the priest’s residence after McCarthy befriended his family. The victim described how McCarthy allegedly coerced him into undressing in front of him.
Attorneys representing the alleged victims assert that McCarthy was just one of several priests who abused children during this period, claiming Fordham was aware of the misconduct but chose to ignore it. They emphasized that many victims were from impoverished backgrounds and viewed Fordham as a safe haven.
"There was a sense of safety, and he created a comfortable environment," one alleged victim stated. The lawsuit describes McCarthy’s actions as manipulative, stating he would take groups of boys into private spaces for inappropriate activities.
Fordham University acknowledged the lawsuit but has yet to be formally served. The Archdiocese of New York commented that it takes such allegations seriously, clarifying that Fordham operates independently from the archdiocese and that McCarthy was under the supervision of the Jesuit Order.
The case shines a light on past abuses within the church and educational institutions, raising questions about accountability and the protection of vulnerable populations.
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