The Leary Scandal

While Father John Leary, S.J., also known as “Father Jack”, is long dead, the Leary Scandal broke at New College in the Fall of 2006 and is still creating waves. New College erased Father Jack from most of its website after Matt Smith of SF Weekly pointed out to Pres. Martin Hamilton that it looks rather strange to mythologize a pedophile and rapist.

The scandal is not what Leary did, reprehensible as it was, but in Martin Hamilton and the rest of his corrupt administration’s response to it. Since New College has refused to step up and take responsibility, we have. We have a copy of the Jesuit’s statement on Father John Leary’s sexual abuse of boys and men. We have resources for survivors of sexual assault, including clergy abuse.

If you were sexually abused, it wasn’t your fault and you are not alone. If you are a former New College student, and you were sexually assaulted or abused, please know that there are people here who care about you. If you are in crisis, please call 911. If you want phone counseling now please call 415-647-7273 (SF WAR) or 1.800.656.HOPE (RAINN.org. Please see our hotlines page and resources section for more info.

While Father John Leary, S.J., also known as “Father Jack”, is long dead, the Leary Scandal broke at New College in the Fall of 2006 and is still creating waves. New College erased Father Jack from most of its website after Matt Smith of SF Weekly pointed out to Pres. Martin Hamilton that it looks rather strange to mythologize a pedophile and rapist.