Donald B Dickerson, a former Jesuit priest, faces multiple allegations of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s, raising significant concerns regarding the Catholic Church’s handling of abuse cases. It was Bishop Joseph Vath who ordained Dickerson in Birmingham, Alabama in 1980. Later that same year, he started his new teaching career at a Jesuit preparatory school in Dallas. Recent secret shopper lawsuits have exposed some of these claims. They accuse church leaders of mishandling or covering up acts of sexual abuse of children as if they were not grave and serious accusations.
The crusade against Dickerson’s actions traces back to 2009, when he was charged with molesting an eighth-grade boy. This charge was only one example of a slew of accostings that have cropped up over the last few decades. In 1982, a $12 million lawsuit alleged that Dickerson raped a boy at the Jesuit preparatory school where he taught. And after a disastrous 2010 Census, similar allegations came out. He had, according to records, raped an 11-year-old boy while at St. John Berchmans in 1982.
A Pattern of Allegations
The allegations against Dickerson date as far back as his initial years as a priest. In one incident in December 1974, he allegedly groped a girl underage on the way to a high school awards ceremony. The increasingly predatory behavior did eventually raise concerns from other Jesuits. In a 1974 letter, Jesuit priest Anthony McGinn referred to Dickerson as “lazy and manipulative,” raising red flags regarding his character.
In the face of these initial red flags, church leaders still persisted in providing their support. In 1975, Jesuit priest Louis Lambert wrote that Dickerson was making great strides in his rehabilitation and working through his demons. By 1981, the situation had escalated. After a complaint by the parents of one minor, Dickerson was dismissed from Jesuit Dallas.
In September 1981, Walsh was reassigned to St John Berchmans in Shreveport, Louisiana. However, allegations continued to surface. In March 1984, a mother wrote to the bishop of Alexandria-Shreveport, alleging that her son had been molested by Dickerson. This letter further underscored the pattern of retaliation and discriminatory treatment against Dickerson.
“Recently he was rejected by his natural father… Instead of help from Fr Dickerson, he has been mentally damaged even further.” – Mother who wrote a letter to the bishop of Alexandria-Shreveport.
Institutional Response
Unfortunately, the response from the Jesuit community has been among mixed tourof years. In March 1986, Jesuit priest Edmundo Rodriguez suggested that Dickerson consider leaving the priesthood “to save everyone from a very painful process.” Rodriguez’s recommendation came amid growing concerns about Dickerson’s suitability for ministry.
This latter sentiment was echoed in somewhat smaller ways by the likes of Thomas Stahel who asked if Dickerson ought to be put forward for ordination. He stated, “I do not think we can in conscience present Dickerson to the bishop as ready for ordination.” Stahel issued additional alarm, advising that Dickerson’s ordination be delayed and warning of his long-term place among the Society of Jesus.
Despite these concerns, a number of clergy members rose up to defend Dickerson. Rodriguez remarked, “Don has to be given the benefit of the doubt,” emphasizing the need for due process. He insisted that “we owe Don the same careful due process which we would want to provide for anyone else.”
Recent Developments
Her allegations against Dickerson have come back with a vengeance after the filing of a 2024 Louisiana state court lawsuit. This lawsuit specifically accuses him of raping a 17-year-old student at Loyola University New Orleans in 1984. These new allegations have refueled discussions about accountability inside the Catholic Church and its long-standing response to sexual abuse allegations.
Yet the institutional response to these allegations has consistently been controversial and caustic. Critics say church hierarchy failed to recognize dozens of warning signs for Dickerson over the years. They did not stand up and do enough to protect their community. As society has increasingly demanded transparency and accountability in dealing with sexual abuse, the church has faced unprecedented scrutiny over current practices.
“This is a dangerous sign that the Society will have difficulties with him in future years.” – Anthony McGinn.
The church is purposefully taking on the weight of confronting its past mistakes. Yet it now looks ahead, emphasizing how to do better about these problems moving forward. Survivor advocates point out that reform is needed to better protect our most vulnerable members among religious communities.