News Summary
Phil Baniewicz, president of Bishop Miege High School, has been placed on administrative leave due to concerns regarding his leadership and past allegations of child sexual abuse. The Archdiocese of Kansas City confirmed the leave, which follows serious complaints from former students about inappropriate behavior and lack of a safe environment for students. An investigation is currently underway. Community members are urged to come forward with any information related to these allegations.
Kansas City, Kansas – Phil Baniewicz, the president of Bishop Miege High School, has been placed on administrative leave effective June 5, 2023. This decision was made by the executive committee of the school’s Board of Trustees amid concerns regarding Baniewicz’s ability to maintain a safe environment for students.
The Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has confirmed the leave and announced that a thorough investigation is ongoing. Baniewicz has faced allegations of child sexual abuse in the past, with a civil lawsuit filed against him; however, he has never been criminally charged.
Former students of Maur Hill-Mount Academy, where Baniewicz previously served as president, have voiced serious concerns about his behavior and leadership style. One former student, Taylor Kelsey, described a culture of shame directed at female students. Kelsey recalled an incident involving a one-on-one talk about “purity” in Baniewicz’s office without the presence of another adult.
Another former student, Parker Valdez, corroborated Kelsey’s account, detailing inappropriate personal discussions during a private meeting with Baniewicz. Valdez submitted a complaint to the Archdiocese earlier in 2023 but did not receive a response until after Baniewicz was placed on leave. She expressed feeling traumatized after Baniewicz made unwelcome comments regarding her dating life.
As both Kelsey and Valdez are now mothers, they have highlighted their concerns for the safety and well-being of children within school environments. Their allegations are part of a broader trend, as several former students from Maur Hill-Mount Academy have stepped forward to share similar accounts of inappropriate interactions with Baniewicz.
After Kelsey submitted her allegations, Baniewicz denied the claims during a follow-up phone call. In the wake of the leave, the Archdiocese has not disclosed specific details related to the investigation, citing it as a personnel matter. Consequently, no further information will be made available until the investigation concludes.
Baniewicz has been serving as the president of Bishop Miege High School since September 2023 and previously held significant positions at Maur Hill-Mount Academy and as vice president at Benedictine College. Archbishop Shawn McKnight has expressed support for the decision made by the executive committee, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a safe educational environment for students.
The Archdiocese encourages anyone with additional information regarding Baniewicz or related concerns to contact their Office for Protection and Care. Meanwhile, the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) has called for greater transparency from the Archdiocese and emphasized the importance of reporting allegations to law enforcement.
This situation highlights the significant responsibility educational institutions hold in safeguarding their students. The community is urged to remain vigilant and supportive, especially for those who may come forward with similar experiences.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5
- Kansas City Star Opinion
- KSHB News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education and Safety
- Google Search: School Administration Concerns
