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Dear Reader,
I’m Sarah Butrymowicz, senior editor for investigations at The Hechinger Report. Our small but formidable investigations team punches above its weight, uncovering stories from child care centers, schools and universities that would otherwise stay hidden.
These data-driven, time-intensive investigations are possible because of reader support ([link removed]) . Your generosity powers the miles our reporters need to travel to reach rural communities, the public records we fight to obtain, and the relationships we build with people whose stories are often overlooked.
This work is vital and ongoing. We amplify the voices that policymakers need to hear. As we enter our 15th year, can you help us meet the moment ([link removed]) and safeguard our independent and thorough reporting?
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Here’s just a small sample of what we’ve accomplished over the years:
- In 2016, Mississippi had some of the lowest standards for child care centers in the country. We teamed up with the Clarion-Ledger to investigate how the state fails to serve all its children well, why it falls short and possible solutions. Following our reporting, the Mississippi Department of Health began posting online which child care centers have violations and dedicated more money to child care oversight.
- In 2018, a Hechinger Report investigation on La’ James International College, a for-profit cosmetology school in Iowa, showed how the beauty school business model can help for-profit schools boost earnings while students take on debt and hours of unpaid training for a low-paying career. After the story, students and graduates sued, accusing the school of delaying financial aid payments and causing them financial hardship in violation of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act. Students subsequently received some financial relief. Lawyers representing the students credit Hechinger with bringing La’ James to their attention.
- In 2021, Hechinger reporters shone a light on little-known student debt issues. We revealed that public colleges in all but one state send students to for-profit debt collection agencies that often charge exorbitant fees. With NPR, we highlighted how 6.6 million students’ transcripts are being withheld because of small unpaid bills, sparking policy changes in Colorado, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio.
- In 2022, we exposed how common it is for elementary school students to lose recess time as a form of punishment, despite research showing that physical activity and play are vital for children’s development. Our reporting was cited by a California state senator who proposed a law requiring daily recess for K-8 students. The California bill passed in March 2024.
- In 2024. Hechinger brought to light the millions of times students were suspended for vague, ill-defined violations such as insubordination or disorderly conduct. School discipline experts warn that ambiguous categories, which can be used to justify suspensions for even minor infractions, contribute to negative outcomes for students, including lower academic performance, higher dropout rates and increased involvement with the criminal justice system.
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By supporting a nonprofit newsroom that exclusively focuses on education, you can feel confident that you are making a difference in education. None of this important reporting happens without your support. ([link removed])
Thank you.
Sarah Butrymowicz
Senior editor for investigations, The Hechinger Report
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