Slinger, Wi – On October 15, 2025, we learned of a report in The Capital Times that revealed the Department of Public Instruction, led by State Superintendent Jill Underly, allegedly shielded more than 200 investigations into sexual misconduct by teachers from the public.
The story outlined a disturbing history of sexual abuse of children in our public schools. The methods the Department of Instruction use for addressing cases are beyond reprehensible. Teachers under investigation are able to voluntarily surrender their licenses in an effort to close the DPI investigation. Many of these individuals are still able to work with children in some capacity despite being investigated for sexual misconduct.
This session I am the Assembly lead author of Assembly Bill 156, a bill that helps to prevent child sex abuse. I am grateful to Erin Merryn, a child sex abuse victim, for helping to bring this legislation forward. It’s known as “Erin’s Law.”
When this bill was brought to my attention, I learned of a daunting statistic: one in four girls and one in six boys have been sexually abused before their 18th birthday. In many of these cases, these victims of child sexual abuse will continue to live their everyday lives without telling someone about their abuse. This is due, in large part, to the unfortunate reality that a majority of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser – whether it’s a teacher, caregiver, or even a family member.
Erin’s Law is an age-appropriate child sexual abuse prevention instructional program for pupils in 4-year-old kindergarten to grade 12. The school board shall provide a sequential instructional program and will provide at least one instructional session in each grade.
These necessary measures will help to ensure that children learn to protect themselves from this type of abuse as well as give them the tools and resources needed to speak out. Additionally, included in the bill is a notification process for parents so they are aware of this program, when it will be taught, and allows parents to opt their child out of the instructional program if that’s what they think is best for them and their child.
Every parent in Wisconsin must feel comfortable knowing that when they send their child to school, that child is safe.
Erin has worked hard getting this legislation signed into law in 38 states. It’s time to make Wisconsin the 39th.
Governor Tony Evers, you are the education governor — “Erin’s Law” needs to be your top priority when it comes across your desk.
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