Education Dept investigating LA teachers’ union agreement with schools that allegedly protects sexual predators

by Jessica Marie Baumgartner

Photo: Alamy

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office (DOE) for Civil Rights (OCE) announced an investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District regarding an agreement that is said to relocate teachers accused of sexually abusing students instead of removing them from the classroom.

The May 5 DOE press release cites an agreement between the district and the United Teachers of Los Angeles union that relocates teachers who are credibly accused of sexually harassing students, creating or selling child pornography, seeking sex from students, and more.

The 2024 agreement also noted that this method is designed to resolve the situation rather than address the grievance and will be the “full and final resolution,” in which additional claims and/or actions cannot be filed regarding an incident.

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey noted that this is a violation of Title IX and that “Schools must respond appropriately and address claims of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault, in a timely manner.” She added, “It is unconscionable that the District would simply ignore Title IX’s procedural requirements to protect teachers who cause life-changing harm to their kids. The Trump Administration will always fight to uphold the law, protect the safety of all students, and restore common sense to our schools.” 

Secretary of Education Linda McMahon responded to the news of the investigation on X, stating, “Any of the abhorrent actions listed here should result in termination or worse.”

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