2021 Investigative Reporting (Smaller Newsroom) Finalists

Morgan Matzen
Argus Leader

South Dakota Social Studies Standards Series

• South Dakota DOE removed Indigenous topics from social studies standards before final draft
• Nearly 600 public comments sent to DOE ahead of public hearing on social studies standards
• Gov. Kristi Noem asks to delay South Dakota’s social studies standards changes for more public input time
• Gov. Kristi Noem’s shift on school curriculum

Comments from the Judges:

“This investigation demonstrates the value and impact of local education reporting and uncovered a textbook example of white-washing in schools.“

“Important story with national implications and major local impact.”

Samantha Smylie
Chalkbeat Chicago

How Chicago Fell Behind Serving Students With Disabilities

• Chicago fell behind on plans for students with disabilities during COVID-19. New data show the depth of the problem.

Comments from the Judges:

“The sheer doggedness of this story demonstrates a top-notch commitment to accountability, in support of schools’ most vulnerable students. A clear, strong narrative and evidence to back up the reporting resulted in a high quality investigation.”

“Dogged reporting, pursuing the data, even filing suit, despite many difficulties. Good use of personal stories to humanize the data.”

Jack Stripling
The Chronicle of Higher Education

‘The Biggest Mess’

• ‘The Biggest Mess’: A prominent researcher’s career came undone after a night of debaucherous harassment. His university had years to see it coming.

Comments from the Judges:

“This investigation of a professor’s abusive behavior documented the years of complaints and mismanagement by university officials. The reported not only provided a strong narrative but also meticulously researched every aspect of this story.”

“Great, colorful detail. A thoroughly reported, dramatically told tale.”

SEE THE FULL LIST OF 2021 CATEGORY FINALISTS