CPS’ Firing of Two Administrators was ‘Influenced’ by an Inappropriate, Off-the-Books Investigation: Report
Inappropriate Investigation Led to Firing of Lincoln Park High School Administrators
The 2020 firing of the principal and assistant principal at Lincoln Park High School, which set off protests by parents and students, was at least partially informed by an inappropriate, off-the-books investigation, according to a report by the Office of Inspector General for Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Falsified Findings Led to Firing of Administrators
CPS says the two administrators were dismissed for what officials characterized as “substantiated findings” of misconduct and a failure to follow protocol related to the boys basketball team, wreaking havoc at the North Side school. The boys’ basketball season was cut short, students staged walk-outs, parents complained en masse, and lawsuits by the administrators followed.
Off-the-Books Investigation Conducted by Chief Title IX Officer
According to the OIG report, the initial reasons stated for the firings were mostly not connected to the boys team but to a separate incident that should have been handled differently. The investigation was conducted by CPS Chief Title IX Officer Camie Pratt, who resigned this summer with a “do not hire” designation on her record, according to CPS documents.
Pratt’s Response and Defense
The attorney representing Pratt said in a statement that “Ms. Pratt adamantly disputes the allegations made in the CPS OIG report and is confident that a review by an independent, third-party investigator would demonstrate that she acted according to applicable standards and policies.” The attorney added, “Ms. Pratt conducted her work as CPS’ Chief Title IX Officer with integrity and compassion.”
Off-the-Books Investigation Conducted Despite Conflict of Interest
Pratt arrived at CPS amid some fanfare in 2019 in the wake of the Chicago Tribune’s Betrayed series, which found systemic problems in the way the district handled sexual abuse and misconduct cases involving students. In hiring Pratt for the Office of Student Protections and Title IX, then-CEO Janice Jackson said it was part of her effort to leave “no stone unturned” in making sure students were safe and fully compliant with Title IX, the civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs. However, the OIG report found that Pratt conducted an off-the-books investigation into an allegation involving a student, who is a relative of Pratt’s, and the girls basketball coach, which was a clear conflict of interest.
Pratt’s Departure and Plans for Rebuttal
Pratt resigned this summer, and the OIG report recommended that she and her deputy be subject to “disciplinary action up to and including termination.” Pratt plans to file a substantive rebuttal to the report this week.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the firing of the Lincoln Park High School administrators and the role of Chief Title IX Officer Camie Pratt highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the investigation and handling of misconduct allegations. The report by the Office of Inspector General for Chicago Public Schools reveals a pattern of inappropriate and off-the-books investigations, which may have led to the wrongful firing of these administrators. It is crucial that the district conducts thorough, transparent, and fair investigations to ensure that students and employees are treated justly.
FAQs
* What was the OIG report about?
The OIG report found that the initial reasons stated for the firings of the two administrators were mostly not connected to the boys team but to a separate incident that should have been handled differently.
* Who conducted the off-the-books investigation?
The investigation was conducted by Chief Title IX Officer Camie Pratt, who resigned this summer with a “do not hire” designation on her record.
* What were the allegations made against the administrators?
The administrators were accused of misconduct and a failure to follow protocol related to the boys basketball team.
* What was the outcome of the investigation?
The investigation found that the initial reasons stated for the firings were mostly not connected to the boys team but to a separate incident that should have been handled differently.
