Seton Hall University is once again wrapped up in a scandal involving its leadership, this time for appointing Monsignor Joseph Reilly as the school’s new president.

As Politico New Jersey first reported, an internal investigation revealed Reilly knew of sexual abuse allegations against the now-disgraced Cardinal Theodore McCarrick but never reported them, in direct violation of both federal Title IX and Seton Hall’s policies. McCarrick was defrocked by Pope Francis after allegations of sexual misconduct with seminarians and minors over decades were found to be credible.

Investigators never accused Reilly of abuse, but according to Politico, Seton Hall University’s governing body followed a recommended action plan to remove him from university boards and as the dean of the university seminary. So it came as a shock to many within the college community when Reilly was tapped as the new president last April.

NJ Spotlight News spoke with  Dustin Racioppi, Politico New Jersey editor, about the latest revelations and the school’s actions.

“Seton Hall doesn’t offer much clarity on this,” he said. “I’ve asked repeatedly what happened behind the scenes. Was he cleared in any way, or did something happen where the board felt comfortable elevating him to the highest position possible at the university?”

“I didn’t get a full clear answer on that, except that the university and its Board of Regents chair, they fully support him,” said Racioppi. “It’s still not clear. I mean the recommendation through a responsive action plan years ago was anybody who knew about alleged sexual harassment or abuse could not hold leadership positions at Seton Hall.”