Chicago Circuit Judge Eve Reilly has ordered Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to reopen its investigation into founder Tim King, who was previously accused of sexual misconduct. The judge's decision comes after the alleged victim recanted their initial accusations, stating that they never experienced any "grooming" or forced contact with King when he was a student at Urban Prep Charter Schools.
King, once hailed as a hero for his charter schools, where nearly all students went on to attend college, had been barred from working at the schools and had a do-not-hire flag placed on his personnel file following an inspector general's finding of sexual misconduct in 2022. King's attorneys have maintained that the investigation was flawed and that their client was being targeted.
However, Reilly ruled that King did not receive proper due process during the initial investigation and ordered CPS to conduct a new investigation, citing her opinion that the recantation is "just" for CPS to consider. The judge noted that if some accused individuals are given more due process than others, it is only fair for everyone.
This decision comes as Urban Prep Charter Schools continues to face its own set of problems. A 2022 CPS memo revealed financial troubles, including struggles to make payroll and reliance on high-interest loans. The CPS inspector general has also launched investigations into Urban Prep's operations and possible fraud related to the federal Paycheck Protection Program funds.
Despite facing these challenges, Urban Prep still operates two schools with fewer than 200 students across both campuses, after successfully suing against CPS' attempt to take over the charter schools in October 2022. However, this new development in King's case raises questions about how accurate past accusations and recantations can be assessed and whether due process was adequately applied.
Reilly's decision highlights a need for transparency and accountability in the investigation process, especially when it comes to sensitive allegations like those made against Tim King. As the city continues to grapple with issues of misconduct and accountability, this case serves as a reminder that justice must be served through fair and thorough investigations.
King, once hailed as a hero for his charter schools, where nearly all students went on to attend college, had been barred from working at the schools and had a do-not-hire flag placed on his personnel file following an inspector general's finding of sexual misconduct in 2022. King's attorneys have maintained that the investigation was flawed and that their client was being targeted.
However, Reilly ruled that King did not receive proper due process during the initial investigation and ordered CPS to conduct a new investigation, citing her opinion that the recantation is "just" for CPS to consider. The judge noted that if some accused individuals are given more due process than others, it is only fair for everyone.
This decision comes as Urban Prep Charter Schools continues to face its own set of problems. A 2022 CPS memo revealed financial troubles, including struggles to make payroll and reliance on high-interest loans. The CPS inspector general has also launched investigations into Urban Prep's operations and possible fraud related to the federal Paycheck Protection Program funds.
Despite facing these challenges, Urban Prep still operates two schools with fewer than 200 students across both campuses, after successfully suing against CPS' attempt to take over the charter schools in October 2022. However, this new development in King's case raises questions about how accurate past accusations and recantations can be assessed and whether due process was adequately applied.
Reilly's decision highlights a need for transparency and accountability in the investigation process, especially when it comes to sensitive allegations like those made against Tim King. As the city continues to grapple with issues of misconduct and accountability, this case serves as a reminder that justice must be served through fair and thorough investigations.
, a former hero who's now facing serious allegations again after years of denying any wrongdoing 
. The fact that the recantation is being taken into consideration by CPS is a huge relief for King and his supporters 
, but it also raises questions about how we can be sure that past accusations were accurate in the first place 
.
. It's crucial that CPS and other organizations follow proper due process and consider all evidence before making judgments 
. We can't afford to rush into conclusions without being certain about the facts 
.
. It's concerning to see a school that's supposed to be helping students succeed instead facing problems that could put everyone in harm's way 
. This case is a reminder that justice must be served through fair and thorough investigations, and we need to make sure that our schools are held to the highest standards of accountability 
.
CPS needs better accountability tools, not just a judge's opinion... 
... I mean, on one hand, you've got this guy who was accused of some pretty serious stuff and now we're hearing he might not have done it after all 
... one day they're heroes, the next day they're villains 
... and it's hard to know what's really going on behind the scenes 
... I mean, is this guy genuinely innocent or is he just trying to get out of trouble? 
... how do we make sure that everyone gets a fair shot? 
... it's like, if one person gets more due process than another, does that really feel fair? 
.
. It's all about due process and fairness, but what about the victims who were already traumatized by these allegations? Shouldn't we be prioritizing their well-being over whatever drama Tim King is going through? 
! It's super frustrating when we think someone's been wrongly accused, only for them to recant later and no one really checks if they got a fair shake in the first place. King's case is a total mess, especially considering all the other issues Urban Prep is dealing with right now... financial troubles, investigations into their operations... it's like CPS just can't seem to get it together 
And let's not forget the alleged victim's recantation is definitely something to consider, even if their initial accusations were based on "grooming" or forced contact... we can't just dismiss it like that 
.
. First, they're dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct against Tim King, and now it's all being thrown out due to recantation? Like, what even is that? 
And don't even get me started on the CPS memo from 2022 revealing their financial troubles... high-interest loans and struggles to pay staff? 
It's just too much.
The judge's decision to reopen King's case despite the recantation does seem fair, but at what cost? 
And what about the students who are affected by all this? Don't they deserve some answers? 
Sorry, I guess I'm just really frustrated with the whole situation right now... 
. I wish they would just be more open about what's going on with the charter schools 
.
and I'm still thinking about trying out that new Korean BBQ stand... their kimchi was insane 
! anyway, this whole Tim King thing is wild, you know? like, what even is due process if it's not fair for everyone? 
