Madison – This week, a Capital Times investigation showed the Department of Public Instruction hid 200 cases of sexual misconduct and grooming cases from the public. The Assembly Education Chairman, Representative Joel Kitchens, released the following statement:
“The investigation showed an alarming level of sexual misconduct in our schools. Teachers were allowed to resign to avoid an investigation. This is unacceptable. For every teacher they investigated there are likely many more victims. This raises serious questions about what DPI is doing to punish those responsible and what they are doing to protect children.
As a former school board president, this type of information is critical for districts to know so they can protect children and prevent these predators from getting another chance to exploit someone.
It’s also outrageous that DPI puts the blame on funding. I do not believe they have ever requested funding for this. Their number one job is to keep children safe.
I’m calling on Dr. Underly to release all information and to conduct an independent investigation. If she doesn’t, the Legislature will.”
Representative Kitchens represents Door, Kewaunee, and parts of Brown County.
