Biden Inauguration Day priest resigns as California university president over inappropriate behavior

The Jesuit priest who led President Biden's Inauguration Day mass has resigned as president of Santa Clara University after an investigation found he engaged in inappropriate, alcohol-fueled conversations with graduate students.

The Rev. Kevin O’Brien was placed on leave in March during the investigation. The Northern California university on Wednesday announced his departure, according to the Associated Press.

The investigation found that conversations occurred over the last year at informal dinners with graduate students that "were inconsistent with established Jesuit protocols and boundaries." However, officials did not elaborate as to what he said.

O'Brien led the Jan. 20 mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, in Washington, D.C., before Biden's official inauguration ceremony.

The investigation found no other wrongdoing outside of the dinners. O'Brien has begun therapeutic sessions to address alcohol and stress counseling, the wire service also reports.