Wisconsin faces scrutiny over delayed responses to teacher misconduct, including grooming, due to staffing shortages and diverted funds.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is under scrutiny for handling teacher misconduct allegations, with a public records request seeking details on license revocations and law enforcement reporting, particularly in grooming cases. Concerns include delays in acting on serious allegations, a lack of transparency, and prioritizing ideological initiatives over student safety, despite over 200 misconduct cases in five years and only 1.5 full-time staff dedicated to investigations. Critics say resources were diverted to racial equity programs funded with special education money, while oversight lags. A state assembly hearing will examine these practices, with lawmakers questioning why reforms weren't enacted sooner.