Biden's inaugural priest and family friend investigated for questionable behavior, placed on leave



The Jesuit priest who presided over the inaugural mass for President Joe Biden is being investigated and placed on leave from the university where he serves as president.

In an announcement from the chair of the board of trustees posted on its website Thursday, Santa Clara University in California said that Father Kevin O'Brien had "exhibited behaviors in adult settings, consisting primarily of conversations, which may be inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries."

The university, also known as the Jesuit University In Silicon Valley, noted that an independent investigation has been launched. During the course of the inquiry, O'Brien will be on leave from his position.

"The Board of Trustees takes these accounts seriously. We also respect the need for a thorough investigation and support the actions being taken by the USA West Province Office. We reserve any further action on the part of the Trustees until we have fully reviewed the final results of the investigation," board chair John M. Sobrato wrote in the statement.

"The Trustees support those who came forward to share their accounts. It is important that anyone who witnesses actions they believe are inconsistent with SCU's values or rules is able to share their concerns and have confidence that they will be taken seriously."

The statement did not elaborate further on what allegations have been made against O'Brien but noted that the executive committee's trustees were briefed on the accusations. The committee confirmed O'Brien's appointment of Provost Lisa Kloppenberg to serve as acting president while he is on leave.

The Jesuits' West Province includes Arizona, Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

"I would ask that everyone please allow the investigation to run its course," Sobrato stated. "We will not be providing interim updates, but will communicate the final results of the investigation."

The 54-year-old priest celebrated mass on Inauguration Day just before Biden's Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

The mass was attended by Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, their family members and other political leaders.

O'Brien has served as SCU president since 2019 after he served as dean of SCU's Jesuit School of Theology for two years. According to the school's website, O'Brien joined the Society of Jesus in 1996. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2006.

Before SCU, O'Brien was based at Georgetown University, where he was executive director of campus ministry and then vice president for mission and ministry. While in Washington, he served at Holy Trinity Church, where the Bidens have and continue to attend Mass. O'Brien is described as a Biden family friend.

"This day, when we emphasize national unity, we welcome people of all faith traditions and all political preferences, for we are all sons and daughters of God, and we all need to say thank you to the God who has been so, so good to us and to our country," O'Brien said in his Jan. 20 sermon. "And we also need to rely on God's help, God's encouragement."

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