Professor Accused of Past Sex Abuse Resigns From U. of St. Thomas (Minn.)

By Nick Desantis
Chronicle of Higher Education
September 18, 2014

http://chronicle.com/blogs/ticker/professor-accused-of-past-sex-abuse-resigns-from-u-of-st-thomas-minn/86291

A professor at the University of St. Thomas who was accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl more than a decade ago has resigned from the Minnesota university’s faculty, the Star Tribune reported.

The Rev. Michael J. Keating, an associate professor of Catholic studies, was accused of abusing the girl while he was studying to be a priest. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The university announced his resignation this week and posted his resignation letter on its website.

“After careful consideration of my current situation in light of my employment options and longstanding goals, I have decided to resign my faculty position with the University of St. Thomas, effective immediately,” his letter stated. “I have greatly enjoyed my time at the university and take with me fond memories of the St. Thomas community.”