WISCONSIN (MacIver Institute) -- This week's MacIver Monday is jam packed with coverage of the growing DPI scandal. We will be diligently following the story as it develops and bring you the latest on MacIverInstitute.com and our Facebook and X channels.
Spotlight
Underly’s Surrogates Blame Gaps in State Law for DPI’s Failures
While State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jill Underly was a no-show for a legislative hearing into failures of her agency to monitor possible sexual predators and protect children from them, her deputies shifted blame on the issue. Watch the report from MacIver's Bill Osmulski below.
Deep Dive
Wisconsin Public Schools Have Long Record of Sexually Grooming Children
The Capital Times report is the latest example of sexual grooming and misconduct in Wisconsin’s public schools. These are not isolated incidents — they’re part of a long-running pattern. From inappropriate classroom assignments to unchecked teacher behavior, the problem has spanned decades.
Bill Osmulski catalogues the long record of disturbing incidents.
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You Should Know
DPI’s Internal Priorities Favor Radical Philosophies Over Children’s Wellbeing
While DPI’s investigations into teacher misconduct remain under-resourced, the agency continues to prioritize ideological trainings and “equity” initiatives. Internal documents reveal more staff time devoted to social-justice programming than to student safety. Our continuing coverage raises questions about whether DPI’s leadership is putting politics ahead of children.
Coming Soon
Legislative Budget Chiefs Warn About Opioid-Settlement Spending
Rep. Mark Born and Sen. Howard Marklein, the two co-chairs of the legislative Joint Finance Committee, raised red flags last week by announcing that the Department of Health Services is months late in reporting how millions from the national opioid settlement will be spent. This delay risks delaying help for communities still struggling with addiction. We will be following this closely as legislators push for transparency and oversight.
Quick Click
Strong Nations, Not the United Nations, Ensure Peace and Prosperity
Richard Moore argues that global stability depends on strong, sovereign nations — not on bureaucratic global institutions. His recommendations: withdraw from the United Nations, build real alliances with other sovereign nations, and enforce border security and build energy security and industry at home.
Government Funds Reimbursed Gender Hormone Therapy Services at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin had been receiving government funding for gender hormone therapy services all the way up until the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Courtney Graves has more details in this article.
For Your Commute
MacIver's Michael Lucas is back for another edition of his 'Unregulated' podcast and is joined by fellow Wisconsinite and historian, Andrea Nolen, to talk about her new book, Lincoln's Counterfeiters: The Wisconsin Gang that Funded the Union and Started the Chicago Mob.
Watch or listen below.
About MacIver Institute: The MacIver Institute is a Wisconsin-based think tank that promotes free markets, individual freedom, personal responsibility, and limited government. Through research, analysis, and community engagement, we work to advance these principles and positively impact the lives of all Wisconsinites.
Last Update: Oct 27, 2025 3:40 pm CDT
