One reporter's efforts to end 'passing the trash' in California schools
If California finally joins other states in passing comprehensive reform against school sexual assault, investigative reporter Matt Drange will have had a lot to do with it.
Roughly one in 10 American kids experience some sort of sexual trauma in school, from unwanted attention to statutory rape.
Making matters worse, school staff caught preying on students have usually done so previously in other districts.
School sexual abuse is much more common than many realize — a far greater risk than school gun violence and a crisis that deserves much more media attention than it receives.
And so it’s a good thing that former Business Insider investigative reporter Matt Drange is back with the news of a legislative proposal to protect kids from school sexual predators in California.
At present, California is one of just 16 states that still don’t have a comprehensive law to limit school sexual abuse. However, financial liabilities as high as $3 billion have ratcheted up the pressure on lawmakers to take action.
In this new interview, Drange describes the story behind the California legislation and the challenges of covering this uncomfortable, messy topic.
Currently working on a book about what he’s found, Drange will have had much to do with it if Governor Newsom signs this long-discussed legislation into law.
This conversation took place during the week of September 8th. See rough transcript.
Previously from The Grade
Inside the mind of the 'cool' teacher (John Proctor Is the Villain)
The problem education journalists are ignoring (Charol Shakeshaft)
The ‘soft spot’ to unlocking schools’ hidden secrets (Jim Baumbach)
How I penetrated a wall of silence to document sexual abuse of MA students (Marina Villeneuve)
School secrets and sexual assault (Stephanie Kuzydym interview)
Is K-12's #MeToo moment finally here — & will journalism help play a role?
Your high school journalism teacher was a serial sexual predator (Matt Drange 2022)