Saturday, July 28, 2012

New York university boss resigns after allegations

Fordham big-wig tenders resignation a day after sex abuse lawsuitOne of the top administrators at Fordham University in New York resigned his post on Friday, following allegations that he had sexually abused a young boy over 42 years ago, reports The Inquisitr.

James Liguori (pictured), the former president of Iona College and most recently, the executive director of Fordham’s Westchester campus, stepped down just one day after his alleged victim’s lawsuit was made public, according to NY Daily.

Fordham University released a statement regarding Brother Liguori’s resignation, partially touching upon the allegations that he had molested a boy in 1969:

"On Thursday, July 19, 2012, Fordham University learned that an advocacy group has claimed a lawsuit alleging child abuse was filed in 2008 against Br James Liguori, associate vice president and executive director for Fordham Westchester," the statement read.

"Br Liguori passed a criminal background check in autumn 2011, when he was hired by Fordham. University officials began investigating immediately, and on Friday, July 20, Br Liguori submitted his resignation, effective immediately."

The alleged victim first reported the abuse (which occurred in 1969) in 2008, according to his attorney. 

He lives in Orange County, California, and claims that Liguori abused him at the Cardinal Farley Military Academy in Rhinecliff, according to a release from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests.

 Liguori is 69 years old and is a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers.