A new report by the acting inspector general of Chicago Public Schools (CPS) reveals that the school system spent over $390,000 employing sports officials who were on the district's 'do not hire' list. These hires were made using the Illinois High School Association's criminal background check system, which is less thorough than CPS's standard background check. The report details that 36 former CPS employees, some with histories of sexual misconduct and even kidnapping, were employed as sports officials. The interim inspector general recommended CPS immediately comply with its onboarding policies and implement a 'refresh' of background checks for all active officials.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 05: A sign is displayed on the front of the headquarters for Chicago Public Schools on January 05, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois.
A total of 36 former CPS employees now on the district's "do not hire" list were made sports officials, the report says. At least eight of the individuals had been investigated for sexual misconduct with students, while one had a felony kidnapping conviction on their record, according to the report. Each of CPS’s 1,752 active officials are now being subjected to a background check “refresh,” the document reads. All new sports officials hired will be subject to a CPS background check in the future.“And the idea that testing is rooted in white supremacy is in itself a racist belief that says Black children can’t compete with White children on tests, which they surely can," Maher said on his show. "That line will get you an applause break from all sides.
Chicago Public Schools Background Checks Sports Officials 'Do Not Hire' List Sexual Misconduct