On March 11th of this year, David Morrier plead guilty to sexual battery. At the time, he was acting as a fatherlike figure and spiritual director, operating on the campus of Franciscan University. His victim was manipulated, spiritually and sexually abused, and retraumatized from past childhood traumas under the guise of “deliverance” and “exorcism.” Others from the campus community were recruited to physically restrain her during these sessions, meaning there were those on campus who knew about this abuse occurring. 

The University has repeatedly denied knowing anything, despite claiming that starting in 2014 Morrier was a persona non grata on campus. 

According to the victim’s own testimony, the university discouraged her time and time again from coming forward or pursuing justice. 

“The fall semester after he was removed in 2013, and for two years following, I reported it to his superiors, some of the other friars, to Franciscan University administration and staff, and the cycle of those disclosures continued.” 

(Her harrowing and courageous testimony is readable here:  https://www.scribd.com/document/564116636/Vistim-Statement-1 ) 

In addition to the victim’s statements being dismissed by the University, she has “accumulated a student loan debt over $750,000,” which is tied to her time at Franciscan University, who failed to believe or protect her.

That her abuser is housed and cared for financially while she is left to suffer alone is a grave injustice. 

Erasing the the debt with which the victim is saddled, to the university who betrayed her and facilitated the abuse, is a matter of justice- not charity. 

If the University desires to restore any semblance of faith for their alumni community, and the Catholic community as a whole, they would do well to offer financial restitution to the victim, that she might be free of the debt tied to her time of constant abuse. 

Policies and PR statements are not enough. 

As an FUS alumna, I enjoyed my time at the university. I believe Franciscan has the capacity to do great things. It has aided my faith, given me great opportunities, and introduced me to amazing peers. Unfortunately, the great confidence under which many Catholics place themselves and their families, seeking growth in faith, has been violated and taken advantage of in the most diabolical ways. 

I cannot in good conscience recommend or take pride in my Alma Mater unless she is willing to truly listen, aid, and accompany the victims she previously failed to protect. I was taught by the university that repentance is not just a matter of being contrite, but changing your life and seeking to correct harm done- they would do well to follow their own advice. 
Financial aid for Morrier’s victim is a matter of justice and reconciliation. 

We, the undersigned, desire that Franciscan University not simply SAY they are sorry for what happened, but do true penance in the form of offering financial restitution to the victim equaling to or above $750,000 to match her student loan debt.