The Department of Education has opened a federal investigation into allegations that New York City public school employees sexually abused students on a massive scale, with a top Trump administration official warning the district could lose federal funding if it failed to protect children.
Kimberly Richey, the department’s Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, is leading the probe, which was announced Tuesday. Richey, who was interviewed on the “Cats and Cosby Show” with hosts John Catsimatidis and Rita Cosby, said her office is examining whether the nation’s largest school district violated Title IX by ignoring, mishandling, or covering up claims against teachers, administrators, and other personnel.
“Some of the reports indicate that there have been almost 2,000 instances in New York City where school staff have engaged in sexual misconduct with students,” Richey said during the radio interview.
The assistant secretary framed the alleged pattern as institutional betrayal. “What do New York City public schools know? Are they handling these complaints appropriately? Are they doing what they are legally required to do to protect students in New York City public schools?” she asked, outlining the core questions investigators will put to the district.
Richey described the allegations as “systemic and disturbing” and went further, suggesting the district’s conduct may amount to “enabling child abuse in schools.” The investigation will specifically examine whether employees suspected of misconduct were allowed to resign without consequence, or even kept in classrooms despite active complaints.
The complaints driving the probe have come from multiple sources. Richey noted that “scared parents” who suspected “something may be going on with their child” had reached out, alongside reports filed by school staff themselves.
“We are just not going to allow school staff to engage in this type of abuse,” Richey continued. “We are taking a hard stance against this.”
The threat of financial penalties looms over the investigation. Richey made clear that noncompliance with Title IX could cost the district federal dollars it relies upon.
“We will make a determination about whether New York City public schools have complied with federal law,” she explained. “And if they haven’t, we will come up with specific steps that they have to take in order to come into compliance.”
The ultimatum was unambiguous. “And then, New York public schools have a decision to make,” Richey said. “They either come to compliance or they risk losing federal funds for failure to comply.”
The accountability message was repeated throughout her remarks. “We are going to hold the school district accountable for any misconduct and for any failure to respond the way that they are required to respond under federal law,” she added.
The New York City Department of Education had not issued a response to the investigation as of the announcement.