The U.S. Department of Education today released a report on educator sexual misconduct requested by Congress. The literature search by Hofstra University professor Charol Shakeshaft examines the incidence and prevalence of abuse, patterns of misconduct, and prevention strategies, among other items. The report is available at http://www.ed.gov/rschstat/research/pubs/misconductreview/.

"The overwhelming majority of America's educators are true professionals doing what might be called the 'essential' work of democracy," says the report's preface. "The vast majority of schools in America are safe places. Nevertheless, we must be willing to confront the issues that are explored in this study. Any misconduct or sexual abuse in schools is of grave concern to students, parents, educators and the Department of Education.

"Sexual misconduct in whatever form it takes is a serious problem and one about which parents and taxpayers have a right to be informed. The Department of Education is currently investigating ways to obtain more reliable evidence on the extent of sexual abuse in schools. Despite some reservations about this study, the Department believes that this topic is of critical importance and that release of the report is clearly in the public's interest."

Editor's note: The report's author, Charol Shakeshaft, can be reached at (631) 351-1190.

###

Top

Back to June 2004