David Jackson

David Jackson is an investigative reporter at Injustice Watch, where his work focuses on the courts. He earned a Pulitzer Prize at The Washington Post, and was a four-time Pulitzer finalist during his 29 years at the Chicago Tribune, from 1991 through 2020.

The Chicago Public Schools headquarters in downtown is pictured on June 28, 2017. Over the last decade, Chicago police have investigated more than 500 cases of sexual abuse and violence against students in CPS, a Tribune investigation found.

CPS sex abuse findings result in proposals to change Illinois law

May 23, 2019 at 5:54 a.m.

Illinois lawmakers this week introduced a set of legislative proposals and began planning hearings in response to the Chicago Public Schools sexual abuse scandal. A bill proposal filed Tuesday listed...

Stephen Stapanian on May 1, 2018, at his home in Largo, Fla.

CPS fails to warn Florida district about educator who resigned while under investigation for misconduct

June 14, 2024 at 6:44 p.m.

A Chicago Public Schools investigation found that teacher Stephen Stapanian touched the crotch of one student. He also taught disabled students how to circumvent the internet firewall to access pornographic...

Morgan Aranda outside Walter Payton College Prep High School on Sunday, April 15, 2018. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

A Payton freshman reported a teacher’s kiss and touch. School officials questioned her repeatedly.

June 14, 2024 at 6:44 p.m.

When a 14-year-old freshman reported unwanted touches from her world studies instructor at Payton College Prep, Principal Michael Hermes put on his detective's cap, questioning her and asking her to...

Dr. Janice K. Jackson, chief executive officer for Chicago Public Schools, speaks at Truman College on May 30, 2018.

‘I’m sick to my stomach’ — Chicago schools CEO Janice Jackson on sexual violence against students

May 23, 2019 at 5:51 a.m.

In a burst of tweets Friday morning, Chicago schools CEO Janice Jackson said she was “sick to my stomach” to learn of the Chicago Tribune’s investigative findings on sexual violence...

Special report: Chicago Public Schools fails to protect students from rape and sexual abuse

June 14, 2024 at 6:40 p.m.

They were top athletes and honor-roll students, children struggling to read and teenagers seeking guidance.But then they became prey, among the many Chicago Public Schools students raped or sexually abused...

Tamara Reed outside Robert A. Black Magnet Elementary School on Friday, April 13, 2018. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

‘I want to have sex with you’: A teacher used obscene texts to pursue a 14-year-old girl

June 14, 2024 at 6:40 p.m.

Substitute teacher Aaron Williams-Banks took 14-year-old Tamara Reed's cellphone right from her hands during class, held it for a moment, then handed it back to herReed was startled: Her teacher...

Kyana Aguilar outside Hubbard High School on Saturday, March 10, 2018. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

A high school security guard turned his hugs into something horrible

June 14, 2024 at 6:40 p.m.

For the first hug, Kyana Aguilar didn't hesitate. She trusted the Hubbard High security guard, an adult and friendly face at school."He was sitting down. He hugged me using his...

Track coach rapes girl repeatedly after sports powerhouse fails to follow through on background checks

June 14, 2024 at 6:40 p.m.

The man known as "Coach Babyface" had a rap sheet that disqualified him from supervising Chicago Public Schools students, including four felony convictions for dealing and possessing drugs. But Simeon...

Mother charged with killing her baby had past involvement from DCFS

May 31, 2019 at 9:05 p.m.

The Joliet woman charged with murder in the alleged beating of her infant daughter has a history of involvement with the state’s child welfare agency. The Illinois Department of Children...

Data mining program designed to predict child abuse proves unreliable, DCFS says

June 14, 2024 at 6:43 p.m.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is ending a high-profile program that used computer data mining to identify children at risk for serious injury or death after the...

All Stories