Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced on Sunday, August 24, 2026, a federal commitment to address sexual misconduct by teachers, staff, and other adults in positions of authority within schools nationwide. McMahon criticized school districts that reassign, rather than terminate, educators accused of misconduct involving students, noting that such reassignments often prevent these incidents from appearing on an educator’s record.
During an interview, McMahon referenced a 2004 Education Department literature review, which indicated that approximately one in 10 students in eighth through eleventh grades reported sexual misconduct by an educator. The review utilized a broad definition encompassing physical, verbal, and visual conduct, and the department clarified that this definition of sexual misconduct is distinct from the narrower legal definition of sexual abuse.
McMahon emphasized that schools must prioritize the protection of children, stating that parents should not have to be concerned about schools employing or shielding sexual predators. She asserted that institutions receiving federal funding are obligated to protect students, accurately report sexual misconduct, and adhere to legal requirements.
In May, the Department of Education initiated a Title IX investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District. The department’s inquiry focused on an agreement with the United Teachers of Los Angeles, which it suggested might require teachers credibly accused of certain misconduct to be reassigned rather than terminated or immediately removed from student-facing roles during an investigation. This alleged misconduct included sexual or romantic relationships with students, creating child pornography, or failing to report suspected child abuse. Both the Los Angeles Unified School District and the United Teachers of Los Angeles disputed the department’s characterization, clarifying that reassignment involves sending an employee home and keeping them away from students while an investigation is underway, not transferring them to another classroom or school. They affirmed that termination remains a possible outcome if allegations are substantiated.
McMahon has previously stated that schools failing to comply with federal requirements under Title IX and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act face potential enforcement actions, including the termination of federal assistance. She pledged a nationwide effort to eliminate sexual misconduct by adults in positions of authority, asserting that the department will fully enforce federal law and utilize all available resources to protect children from sexual predators. McMahon declared that the epidemic of nationwide sexual abuse in schools must end.
