After the Cap Times revealed the state Department of Public Instruction had investigated more than 200 educators from 2018 through 2023 following allegations of sexual misconduct or grooming, public officials proposed new legislation, pledged greater transparency and ordered a wide-ranging audit.
Yet, Wisconsin’s laws and the Department of Public Instruction’s policies to prevent educator misconduct continue to fall short of efforts by other states and what advocates say are best practices.
Clear state laws on employee screenings, staff and student training, and disclosing misconduct to future employers are all key to stopping sexual abuse of children, said Jetta Bernier, executive director of the national advocacy group Enough Abuse.
“Not every school leader or school department or education leader is aware of the extent and scope of the problem. … You need to institutionalize policies. Otherwise, you’re running in place,” Bernier said.
Compared to other states, including its Midwestern neighbors, Wisconsin lacks laws mandating more transparency on educator misconduct, such as banning confidentiality agreements between school districts and former employees.
Here are seven ways Wisconsin’s laws and policies could change to mirror practices in other states or more closely follow advocate recommendations to strengthen educator sexual misconduct prevention: