Education Department Probes LAUSD for Reassigning Teachers Accused of Sexual Misconduct

The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that its Office for Civil Rights has opened a probe into the Los Angeles Unified School District for policies that appear to automatically reassign teachers accused of sexual misconduct with students to another school.

OCR will determine whether the district's handling of alleged sexual harassment, including sexual assault, by district teachers, administrators and staff violated Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the department said in a press release.

LAUSD pushed back in a statement to Fox News Digital. The district asserted that commentary is circulating insinuating it assigns those being investigated for sexual misconduct to other school sites. This is not true, it said. Confusion seems to center on the meaning of the term "reassignment."

"Reassignment typically means an employee is directed to remain at home and away from students and schools during an investigation," a district spokesperson said. 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.

"Los Angeles Unified 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 spokesperson said.

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 its policies.

The district also continuously reviews and strengthens its policies, training and reporting systems to better prevent misconduct and support those who come forward. It encourages anyone with information or concerns to report them so they can be addressed appropriately.

"We understand the seriousness of allegations and the impact they have on our community. The district remains committed to transparency, accountability and fostering a safe environment for all," the spokesperson said.

The U.S. Department of Education told Fox News Digital on Wednesday that it is actively investigating and OCR will determine whether the policy violates Title IX. The department referred to its press release and posts on X by Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

The press release pointed to a 2024 document involving LAUSD and the United Teachers of Los Angeles union. It states that upon reassignment of any UTLA member, they will be notified within five days of the general nature of the allegations against them. Reassignment will only occur if the nature of the allegations fits certain descriptions, including "sexual harassment of a student, employee, school-related adult or other community member" and "engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with a student regardless of their age, or with any other minors outside of LAUSD."

Fox News Digital reached out to United Teachers Los Angeles on Wednesday.

In a Tuesday post on X, McMahon wrote, "Any of the abhorrent actions listed here should result in termination or worse, but the LA teachers union appears to protect the employment of sexual predators over the safety of students, allowing alleged criminals to be reassigned to a different school. The Trump Administration will always fight to uphold the law, protect the safety of students and restore common sense to our schools."

McMahon added in another post Wednesday, "Teachers unions are advocating to keep children out of schools for protests, using dues to prop up political agendas and negotiating protections for child abusers. The unions are not fighting for students or teachers – they are fighting to protect their own power."

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said in the press release, "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. 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."