The president of Santa Clara University has been placed on leave and is being investigated for alleged misconduct, according to a letter from officials.
Father Kevin O’Brien is under investigation following reports that he "exhibited behaviors in adult settings, consisting primarily of conversations, which may be inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries," said a letter sent to the school community from Board of Trustees Chair John M. Sobrato.
O’Brien, a priest, author and educator, took up the role of university president in 2019.
He notably presided over a mass for President Joe Biden in January before he took office, and has been friends with the Biden family for nearly 15 years.
O’Brien has agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation, which is being conducted by the USA West Province, Sobrato wrote.
The board learned of the investigation on Tuesday and Wednesday, and appointed Provost Lisa Kloppenberg to serve as acting president of SCU while O’Brien is on leave, the letter read.
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