Department of Education probes sexual misconduct in NYC public schools

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a federal investigation into allegations of widespread sexual misconduct involving staff at New York City public schools. Kimberly Richey, the department’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, stated that the probe is examining whether the nation’s largest school district violated Title IX by ignoring, mishandling, or covering up claims against teachers and administrators.

Richey noted that reports indicate nearly 2,000 instances where school staff may have engaged in sexual misconduct with students. The investigation will specifically look into whether the district enabled abuse by allowing suspected employees to resign without consequence or by keeping them in classrooms despite active complaints. The department warned that the district could face the loss of federal funding if it fails to meet its legal obligations to protect students.