January 10, 2025
Archdiocese of Denver Statement on Nativity Investigation
The Archdiocese is aware that the family of a student at Nativity parish school reported to law enforcement an allegation of inappropriate sexual contact by a former school employee. The accused former employee is no longer a part of the school or parish community and has not been for some time. Based on what we understand from the police and the information known to the parish leadership, this appears to be an isolated situation that occurred some time ago. The Broomfield District Attorney declined to file criminal charges, and the Broomfield police department has closed its investigation. As with all situations involving the safety of minors, we ask that anyone with relevant information about this matter contact Broomfield law enforcement.
Now that the criminal investigation has been concluded, in accordance with the Archdiocese’s child safeguarding policies, the Archdiocese’s Office of Catholic Schools will complete its full internal review of this matter.
The Archdiocese’s Code of Conduct, which is mandatory for all who work or serve within the Archdiocese and its schools, includes mandatory child safeguarding policies. It reflects our commitment to protecting the vulnerable, living out our Catholic values, and meeting the Church’s moral standards and expectations. Adhering to this Code is essential to ensuring the safety of our community and maintaining trust in our shared mission. The polices are clear that the Office of Catholic Schools and the Archdiocese must be informed immediately when parish leadership learns of a situation like this. This mandatory internal reporting requirement ensures the safety of minors and compliance with the law. The Office of Catholic Schools’ review will include studying school leadership’s handling of this matter in light of all relevant policies and procedures, including the obligation to involve the Office of Catholic Schools and the Archdiocese. A central reason for conducting such a review is to learn from this situation for the benefit of this parish school and all our schools.
Because this involves employment concerns and based on the usual privacy requirements in such situations, the Archdiocese of Denver has no further comment on the specifics of the decision to terminate the principal of the Nativity parish school.
###
