Regis High School President Being Removed  After Misconduct Allegations Involving Adults

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The president of Regis High School in Manhattan is being removed after allegations he engaged in inappropriate and unwelcome verbal communications and physical conduct, all of a sexual nature, with adult members of the Regis community, including subordinates, according to a letter on the school’s website.

Father Daniel Lahart, S.J., who has served as president of the all-boys school since 2016, was placed on administrative leave Feb. 28. 

The board of trustees hired a third party investigator to investigate the matter, which determined the conduct was non-consensual and continued despite requests from the affected parties for it to cease, according to the April 11 letter addressed to the Regis community from Anthony DiNovi, chair of the school’s board of trustees.

“Upon first learning of this conduct at the end of February, the Board immediately placed Fr. Lahart on administrative leave. Last week, the school notified Fr. Lahart that the Board—with the approval of the USA East Province of the Society of Jesus—intended to remove him for cause as President, which we expect will take effect on April 21…”

The letter said no further details about the investigation would be disclosed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Christian Talbot, a 1993 alumnus of Regis, has been appointed interim president. Talbot served at the school from 2008 to 2012 in various roles, including as chair of the English department and English teacher.