Former Bristol Community College Professor on Providence Diocese’s List of Clergy ‘credibly Accused’ of Sex Abuse

By Kiernan Dunlop
Taunton Daily Gazette
August 29, 2019

https://www.tauntongazette.com/news/20190829/former-bristol-community-college-professor-on-providence-dioceses-list-of-clergy-credibly-accused-of-sex-abuse

When the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence released its list of clergy “credibly accused” of sexually abusing minors in July, it had ripple effects that made their way to the Southcoast.

On Aug. 22, the President of Bristol Community College, Dr. Laura Douglas, sent an email to students alerting them to the existence of the list and stated, “Included in the list was former Bristol Community College faculty member, John Tormey, who is no longer employed by the college.”

Her email went on to say, “Unfortunately, there was no way that the college could have been aware of this allegation, which dates back to 1979, prior to the disclosure being published by the Diocese in the media. When information such as this comes to the college’s attention, it is our duty to address the matter immediately and be as transparent as possible.”

The email never specifies if Tormey resigned, was fired, or retired.

Bristol’s website lists Tormey, 77, as a Program Director of Thanatology, Gerontology, and Funeral Services and Professor of Psychology.

The college recognized Tormey for 40 years of service at a Recognition and Retirees Breakfast on May 11, 2018, according to an event description available on its website, which states that employees with 25 or more years of service are included in the Recognition Garden on the BCC Fall River Campus.