Education Department probes LA school district's handling of teachers accused of sexual misconduct

The Education Department has announced an investigation into Los Angeles Unified School District polices regarding teachers accused of sexual misconduct.

The district "appears to be protecting sexual predators at the expense of its students," the department said Tuesday in announcing their probe. 

The department said its Office for Civil Rights will lead the investigation into district policies that "appear to automatically reassign teachers accused of sexual misconduct with students, including engaging in exploitative “romantic relationships. 

The probe will determine whether the district’s handling of such cases – including those related to alleged sexual harassment and sexual assault – by teachers, administrators and/or staff violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the department also said.

The law protects students and employees from sexual harassment, sexual violence, pregnancy discrimination and ensures equal athletic opportunity, requiring schools to respond promptly to complaints.  

The investigation centers on the school district's agreement with a teachers’ union that teachers who are accused of sexual misconduct, including alleged romantic or sexual relationships with students, will be reassigned to another school and not necessarily terminated or removed from student-facing roles while officials investigate.

The policy affects teachers who are credibly accused of sexual harassment of a student, failing to report suspected child abuse, behavior towards a student that is motivated by sexual interest and creating, selling, or using child pornography.

“Under Title IX, schools must respond appropriately and address claims of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault, in a timely manner, but the District seems to be putting the continued employment of sexual predators above the safety of students,” said Assistant Education Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey.

The school district defended its policies as being "designed to ensure a fair, thorough, and impartial process for all parties.”

“When allegations are reported, they are promptly reviewed, and appropriate interim measures are implemented to protect those involved,” an LAUSD spokesperson told The Hill. “If violations are substantiated, the District takes decisive action in accordance with the law and our policies.”

The school district said it “continuously” reviews its policies, training and “reporting systems to better prevent misconduct and support those who come forward."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.