Philadelphia’s schools accused of failing to properly inspect asbestos in buildings
June 26, 2025
Philadelphia’s public schools are facing federal criminal allegations of failing to properly inspect eight schools for damaged asbestos. The case was announced Thursday. The district agreed to have it deferred while a court keeps tabs on its response. Prosecutors say it’s the first time a school district in the U.S. has faced such environmental criminal allegations. The district is charged with eight counts of violating the federal Toxic Substances Control Act for allegedly failing to perform inspections in a timely manner during a recent five-year period. If the school district complies with the relevant federal law, the government can eventually drop the charges.