Jeanine Pirro, former U.S. Attorney for D.C., has raised concerns over Democratic Socialist Janesse Lewis George’s primary win. She is particularly worried about George’s opposition to teen curfews and ICE, contrasting it with the efforts of President Trump, which led to a 23% crime reduction in D.C.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have initiated a rare special grand jury investigation into D.C. public schools, focusing on truancy, graduation rates, and attendance records. This is an effort to ‘safeguard youth,’ according to law enforcement officials.
Teachers and staff at multiple D.C. Public Schools campuses have recently been questioned about student absences and graduation practices. One testimony has already occurred, with more expected, as reported by The Washington Post.
The investigation is overseen by Jeanine Pirro’s office and is unusual as a special grand jury requires judicial approval. It can conduct extensive investigations and produce detailed reports even when no criminal charges are pursued.
A spokesperson for Pirro’s office declined to confirm or deny the investigation. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office emphasized focusing on a strong start to the new school year, ensuring school data transparency.
Pirro has consistently linked school truancy with youth crime and disruptive gatherings. She expressed a willingness to prosecute parents of teens who break curfew or skip school. The demand for school records of students with chronic truancy was not initially met by the city.
This probe follows past scandals involving D.C. schools like the Ballou High School graduation scandal. Investigations revealed that diplomas were awarded to students who did not meet attendance criteria. In 2017, about one-third of graduates had not fulfilled diploma requirements.
Absenteeism continues to be a significant issue. During the 2023-24 school year, nearly 16,000 students were deemed truant after missing two weeks of classes unexcused.
The grand jury’s investigation coincides with D.C.’s school system commencing a new academic year, serving over 50,000 students.