LOS ANGELES, CA — The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday it has opened a civil rights investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District for allegedly reassigning teachers accused of sexual misconduct with students rather than firing or removing them from "student-facing" roles.
According to a statement from the DOE, its Office of Civil Rights will investigate "policies that appear to automatically reassign teachers accused of sexual misconduct with students, including engaging in exploitative 'romantic relationships,' to another school" — an allegation the district flatly denied.
Federal officials said the policy "appears to guarantee that teachers" will only be reassigned when they are accused of sexual harassment of a student, sexual behavior with a student, sexual or romantic relationship with a student, creating or possessing child pornography, unnecessary physical contact with a student, and failure to report suspected child abuse.
"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," Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in a statement. "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."
The LAUSD issued a statement saying the allegation that teachers accused of sexual misconduct are assigned to other schools "is not true."
"`Reassignment' typically means an employee is directed to remain at home and away from students and schools during an investigation," according to the district. "Decisions about reassignment are guided first and foremost by the safety of students, staff, and the workplace. After an investigation concludes, appropriate measures or discipline may be taken, including termination of employment if warranted."
The district said it "takes all allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment with the utmost seriousness. Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student and staff member in our care.
"The district follows established Title IX procedures and other applicable laws and regulations, which are 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. If violations are substantiated, the district takes decisive action in accordance with the law and our policies.
"We also continuously review and strengthen our policies, training, and reporting systems to better prevent misconduct and support those who come forward. We encourage anyone with information or concerns to report them so they can be addressed appropriately."
There was no immediate response to a request for comment from United Teachers Los Angeles, the union that represents LAUSD teachers.
The DOE's announcement referenced a 2024 settlement agreement between the district and UTLA to resolve a union grievance. That agreement states conditions under which teachers accused of the type of sexual misconduct referenced by the DOE may be reassigned, although it does not provide any specifics on the nature of the roles to which teachers might be reassigned, and whether they would still involve student interaction.
City News Service
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