Wisconsin’s education system became the latest flashpoint in the 2026 governor’s race Thursday after U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) criticized state education officials over a report detailing more than 200 alleged cases of teacher sexual misconduct. At a Capitol press conference, Tiffany accused the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) of failing to protect students, vowing to create a public misconduct database if elected governor.
The controversy intensified when State Superintendent Jill Underly skipped a Senate hearing on the matter to attend an award ceremony in Indiana. Republicans seized on her absence, while Democrats accused Tiffany of hypocrisy, citing his past vote against releasing the Epstein files.
The Cap Times investigation found DPI’s recordkeeping “slipshod,” with limited staff and incomplete case tracking. DPI defended its process, saying voluntary license surrenders ensure offenders are flagged nationally, and blamed legislative budget cuts for capacity issues.
Education advocates argue the GOP’s focus on “accountability” masks decades of funding cuts and the expansion of private school vouchers that lack oversight. Critics warned both parties’ politicization of the scandal distracts from student safety and meaningful reform.
Sources:
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Cap Times – Unrated
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Wisconsin Policy Forum – Unrated
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