U.S. Department of Education Investigates Los Angeles School District for Handling of Teachers Accused of Sexual Misconduct
The U.S. Department of Education is currently investigating the Los Angeles school district for its handling of teachers accused of sexual misconduct. The department is concerned that the district may be reassigning these teachers instead of removing them from student-facing roles. The federal agency believes that the district's policies may violate federal law if reassignment means that accused teachers have the right to teach at a different school.
The school system has defended its policies, stating that they follow established procedures to ensure a fair and impartial process for all parties involved. The district takes appropriate interim measures to protect those affected by allegations and takes decisive action if violations are substantiated. They continuously review and strengthen their policies, training, and reporting systems to prevent misconduct and support those who report concerns.
The district's policy defines reassignment as the provisional removal of an employee from their regular workplace for the safety of students, staff, or the workplace. Reassignment does not mean sending the accused teacher to a different school with similar duties. The primary consideration is the safety of students, staff, or the workplace pending the outcome of an investigation.
In cases where an employee must continue to be paid during an investigation, reassignment may occur. The decision on whether the employee can return to their original assignment, be reassigned to other duties, or remain at home is made by the Region Administrator of Operations/Division Head. The district also mandates that school employees report sexual misconduct and follow district policy to protect the safety of victims.
The federal investigation is linked to an agreement between United Teachers Los Angeles and the L.A. Unified School District in August 2024. The agreement addresses the notification rights of accused employees and specifies that reassignment will only occur if the nature of the allegations fits certain descriptions, such as sexual harassment and romantic relationships. The investigation is conducted under Title IX, a federal law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal funding.
The U.S. Dept. of Education has expressed concerns that the district may be prioritizing the continued employment of sexual predators over the safety of students. This is the third recent Trump administration investigation into LAUSD practices, including the Black Student Achievement Plan and class size disparities in schools with predominantly non-White populations. The district has faced criticism for past cases of reassigning employees accused of misconduct, highlighting the need for improved policies and procedures to protect students.