Vitale seeks independent state investigation into Seton Hall’s handling of abuse allegations

State Sen. Joseph Vitale (D-Woodbridge) is asking the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office to conduct an independent investigation into Seton Hall University’s handling of sexual harassment and abuse allegations, arguing that previous private reviews have not provided sufficient public accountability.

Vitale said he sent a letter this week to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport requesting a review of whether the university has complied with federal requirements governing the reporting, investigation and treatment of allegations involving sexual harassment and abuse.

The Senate Health Committee chairman said the university and the Archdiocese of Newark have commissioned multiple private investigations, but that the complete findings of those reviews have not been made available to the public.

“After years of disturbing reports about the University’s handling of sexual abuse allegations, and multiple private investigations commissioned by the University and the Archdiocese of Newark — the full findings of which remain concealed from the public —  it is not only appropriate but necessary that the Attorney General conduct an impartial public investigation into the University’s conduct,” Vitale stated.

Vitale argued that New Jersey has a direct interest in ensuring accountability at Seton Hall because of the university’s prominent role in higher education, its receipt of public funding and its nonprofit status.

“As a prominent institution that educates thousands of New Jersey students, receives public funding, and enjoys nonprofit status under New Jersey law, the state has a strong interest in ensuring Seton Hall University is fulfilling its educational and charitable missions with accountability, integrity, and transparency,” Vitale said. “Leaving such oversight to the institution alone does a disservice to those the state is charged with protecting.”

Vitale has been a leading legislative advocate for survivors of sexual abuse.  He was the principal champion of the Child Victims Act, enacted in 2019, which extended the statute of limitations for civil claims involving sexual abuse.

“I have long advocated for survivors of child sexual abuse, having championed New Jersey’s Child Victims Act in 2019 to extend the statute of limitations for civil sexual abuse claims,” Vitale said. “Those survivors, and the people of New Jersey, deserve to have confidence that claims of institutional misconduct — especially those alleged against institutions entrusted with the education and care of our young people — are evaluated independently and transparently.”

The senator said he expects Davenport to give serious consideration to his request. He also invoked a statement made last year by Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the Archbishop of Newark, supporting a transparent review of the facts.

“I trust the attorney general will consider the request with the attention and seriousness it deserves,” Vitale said.  “As Cardinal Tobin aptly pointed out in his February 10, 2025, statement: ‘A transparent review of the facts will best serve the interests of all involved and of those who have voiced a call for it.’ Now, then, is the time to hold the Cardinal to his word.”

A spokesperson for the attorney general’s office says they are “in the process of reviewing Senator Vitale’s letter and the concerns it raises about the safety and well-being of New Jersey’s students.”

“Attorney General Davenport is committed to making every effort to ensure students can get an education and realize their potential in safe environments,” the spokesman said.  “Among her top priorities is protecting young people from predatory behavior and exploitation.”