CPS launching new department to respond to sex abuse allegations

Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson is launching a new department to respond to sex abuse allegations, the latest in a series of announcements aimed at reassuring parents of their children's safety at school.

The new 20-member "Office of Student Protections and Title IX" - a reference to the federal education law barring discrimination based on sex - will oversee investigations of student-on-student bullying and abuse, refer complaints of student abuse by adults to the schools' inspector general and oversee support for students who come forward, officials said.

"It's our responsibility to get this right, and I will do everything within my power to make sure this happens," Jackson told reporters Wednesday at district headquarters downtown.

Having one central office is important in dealing with issues that are "so complex," as is having specially trained people to ensure "nothing gets missed, nothing gets lost," Jackson said.

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