An interesting statistic on a morbid topic
Statistic professor Charol Shakeshaft analyzed data from a survey by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation. She estimates that between 1991 and 2000 roughly 290000 students were subjected to physical sexual abuse by teachers or other school personnel (Domingo Ramirez Jr., ‘Teacher Sex Abuse Cases Soar’ Fort Worth Star Telegram (Texas), October 29, 2004) In her report for the U.S. Department of education, Shakeshaft says that about one in every ten American children has been sexually abused in some way at school. (see report here.)
Compare that with Catholic priests. A study by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said that 10667 allegations of sexual abuse of children were made between 1950 and 2002.
The ratio is roughly 200 per year for priests to 32,000 per year for educators.
And yet, for some reason, I have heard nothing about the Teacher-Student sexual molestation scandal either in the news, nor fictionalized accounts in popular movies and television.
About John C Wright
John C. Wright is a practicing philosopher, a retired attorney, newspaperman, and newspaper editor, and a published author of science fiction. Once a Houyhnhnm, he was expelled from the august ranks of purely rational beings when he fell in love; but retains an honorary title.
