Chaffetz Urges Education Acting Secretary to Reevaluate Punishments for Employee Misconduct

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last night, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) sent a letter to Department of Education (ED) Acting Secretary John King, requesting he reconsider administrative actions in 10 investigations involving senior ED officials. This letter follows an Oversight Committee hearing on February 2, 2016, in which Acting Director King testified.

Key excerpts:

“The IG’s investigations demonstrate a concerning pattern of insufficient punishment by the Department; one that allows senior staff to remain in positions of leadership and influence. …

 “As current Acting Secretary and the President’s nominee for Secretary of Education, you have the ability to reset the tone for the Department. You can send a strong message to Department staff that nobody is above the law, and that all staff must conduct themselves in a manner that is befitting public servants, focusing first and foremost on promoting student achievement.

 “Given the serious allegations raised in the ten IG investigations involving senior staff in positions of leadership and influence, I urge you to reconsider appropriate administrative action in these cases, and take steps to ensure that the Department creates a strong culture of accountability and ethical behavior.”

 CLICK HERE to view the full letter to ED Acting Secretary King.