CPS Watchdog Clears Hilario Dominguez of Misconduct Allegations

The Chicago Public Schools Office of Student Protections and Title IX has concluded its investigation into Hilario Dominguez with no actionable finding of sexual misconduct. The former CPS teacher and Chicago Teachers Union-backed candidate for school board president announced the outcome Wednesday, releasing a confidential letter from the watchdog that stated he did not violate district policy.

Dominguez framed the finding as a necessary answer for voters. "From the beginning, I have made it clear that any allegation should be taken with the utmost sincerity, care, due process and accountability," he said. Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former CTU organizer, had previously called for a swift resolution to the inquiry ahead of the November election.

Background of the allegations and prior clearances

The allegations first emerged in 2018 and stem from 2017, when the accuser was a 17-year-old participant in a summer program at The Resurrection Project, where Dominguez worked as a coordinator. She alleged Dominguez asked about her dating life, commented on her appearance, offered rides, and on one occasion grabbed her by the waist, picked her up, and pressed her body against him.

Dominguez stated this marks the fourth time he has been cleared of these same allegations. He said prior reviews by The Resurrection Project, a community accountability process, and a previous inquiry by the CPS Office of the Inspector General all found the claims to be unfounded. He added that his superiors at the organization never reprimanded or disciplined him.

Dominguez frames outcome as vindication amid campaign

The allegations resurfaced publicly just weeks before the November 3 election, where Dominguez is in a three-way race to become the Chicago Board of Education’s first-ever elected president. Dominguez described them as a recycled political attack from his failed 2019 bid for alderman. His lawyer, Rima Kapitan, stated the inspector general’s report fully cleared Dominguez of any wrongdoing and that they would pursue legal remedies for defamatory statements.

Mayor Johnson applauded the CPS watchdog for closing the investigation quickly. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging experiences of sexual harassment while supporting the outcome.

Responses and broader context

The former student, who has remained anonymous, expressed disappointment with the investigation’s conclusion. She called for an external review of how the CPS watchdog handled her complaint. Speaking about her decision to come forward, she said, "Young people, your voice still has power, and you may not get justice right away, but always documenting it is important."

CPS Inspector General Philip Wagenknecht did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon. The watchdog's office had closed the investigation earlier this year but reopened it last month after the former student came forward publicly.

Chicago residents will elect all 21 members of the school board for the first time this fall.