Priest To Be Removed From Influential School Position For Alleged Sexual Misconduct

A Jesuit priest will be ousted from his post as president of the prestigious Regis High School in Manhattan over allegations of sexual misconduct. Rev. Daniel Lahart, 59, who sits at the helm of the private all-boys school will be removed from the educational establishment within a matter of weeks as a third party investigator laid down its findings for the school’s Board of Trustees.

According to the New York Post, the Board of Trustees has determined that Lahart had engaged in an inappropriate conduct involving verbal communication and physical conduct of a sexual nature with adult members of the Regis community.

“This conduct was non-consensual, and moreover, continued notwithstanding express requests from the affected parties for the conduct to cease," the Board of Trustees Chair Anthony DiNovi said.

The school — which counts Dr. Anthony Fauci among its notable alumni--first learned of the allegations in February that Lahart may have inappropriately behaved in his interactions with certain members of the community that do not concern past or present students.

Although the board stated that it would not reveal any details about the allegations, they have assured that the investigation was conducted in a manner committed to due process and the protection of the privacy of individuals involved.

“Please know the board did not come to its decision lightly and took seriously its obligation to act with transparency, integrity, and compassion in service of our community, both with respect to Fr. Lahart and to those members of our community who were harmed by his conduct,” the Board said.

The priest was invited to participate in the investigation but had refused to do so. Lahart, who was named president of Regis High School in 2016, received advance notice of his removal after the Board of Trustees received approval from the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus.

Lahart has been put on administrative leave since the allegations surfaced and investigations began in February. He will no longer serve his post beginning April 21.