State Sen. Eric Wimberger, R-Gillett, released a statement after a lawsuit was filed in federal court March 11, alleging that three students were sexually groomed and abused by teachers and coaches employed by the Oconto Falls School District.
“All sexual abuse allegations deserve serious investigation by our justice system,” he said. “Students in our community should feel safe when they walk the halls of our schools — and especially safe from predators who disguise themselves as someone their victims know and trust.”
This lawsuit highlights the need for the results of a statewide audit of how the Department of Public Instruction handles grooming and sexual misconduct allegations, Wimberger said.
“I look forward to the audit report’s release in the coming weeks to provide transparency regarding Wisconsin’s education leaders’ highest responsibility: ensuring our children are safe at school,” he said.
Last November, as co-chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Wimberger led the committee in approving an audit to examine the DPI’s policies for tracking teachers accused of grooming and sexual misconduct. This audit came after a Capital Times investigation into the process was published last fall.
