The accusations of child abuse at various colleges raises the question of what are the responsibilities of educators if they suspect child abuse? According to child welfare agencies 695,000 children were abused or neglected last year. Many believe that that number is understated as many case go unreported.
State laws are very clear regarding educator responsibility. All states including the District of Columbia, hold educators responsible if they fail to report suspected child abuse. This applies to social workers and child care workers as well. Failure to report is a misdemeanor but three states have laws that make failing to report abuse a felony.
If officials had spoken up, other children might have been spared. Apart from the law, if you are a human being, how can you not have compassion for children who have no voice?