Federal Investigation Puts Jeffco Schools’ Handling of Sexual Abuse Cases Under Scrutiny

By Matt Kyle | The Denver Gazette

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights is opening an investigation into Jeffco Public Schools over the district’s handling of sexual abuse cases involving its employees.

The investigation comes after a complaint was made to the federal government by Lindsay Datko, founder of Jeffco Kids First, an advocacy group of Jeffco parents. The Office of Civil Rights on Tuesday sent a letter to Datko informing her that an investigation would be opened.

The federal government will be looking at whether Jeffco violated Title IX through its handling of the cases, specifically if Jeffco responded to allegations of sexual harassment of students in a manner consistent with Title IX and whether the district has policies and procedures in place that are consistent with Title IX, according to the letter.

In a statement, Jeffco said student safety is a top priority for the district and that it welcomes the opportunity to present “complete and accurate facts” with the federal office about its work to keep students safe.

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