In its 2025 annual report, the New York City Department of Education's independent watchdog revealed that nearly 900 sexual misconduct complaints were filed against staff members, with only 62 cases substantiated after investigation. The Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI) reported that only 157 of the complaints were investigated, raising concerns about accountability and the handling of such serious allegations. City Councilmember Vickie Paladino criticized the low investigation rate, emphasizing that a thorough accounting is essential for students and parents. The SCI noted that it refers many complaints to other agencies, such as the NYPD or the Department of Justice, and its investigation rate of 17% surpasses the 5% rate of the city's Department of Investigation. Among the substantiated cases, 23 involved inappropriate relationships between staff and students through personal cell phones or social media, prompting recommendations for a ban on such communications. The report highlights a troubling trend, with a total of 183 cases of inappropriate or sexual misconduct within the Department of Education since 2018.