Education Department probes LAUSD over sexual misconduct policies

The U.S. Department of Education announced that its Office of Civil Rights has opened an investigation into the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) “over policies that automatically reassign teachers accused of sexual harassment of students to another school.”

“OCR will determine whether the District’s handling of allegations of sexual harassment, including sexual assault, by District teachers, administrators, and/or staff violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX),” the department said in a statement Tuesday. Press release.

However, the school district rejected that request in a statement to Fox News Digital.

“Comments have been circulating implying that the district reassigns those investigated for sexual harassment to other school districts. This is not true. The confusion appears to center on the meaning of the term ‘reassignment,'” LAUSD said.

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“‘Reassignment’ typically means that an employee remains home and away from students and schools during the investigation,” a district spokesperson continued. “Decisions regarding reappointment primarily take into account the safety of students, staff and the workplace. After the investigation is concluded, appropriate measures or discipline, including termination of employment, may be taken if deemed necessary.”

“Los Angeles Unified treats 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 under our care,” a district spokesperson said.

“The District follows established Title IX procedures and other applicable laws and regulations designed to ensure a fair, thorough and impartial process for all parties. When allegations are reported, they are promptly investigated and appropriate interim measures are implemented to protect those involved. If violations are proven, the District takes decisive action in accordance with our laws and policies,” the statement said.

“We also continually review and strengthen our policies, training and reporting systems to better prevent abuse and support those who come forward. We encourage anyone with information or concerns to report them so they can be addressed appropriately,” a district spokesperson said. “We understand the seriousness of the allegations and the impact they have on our community. The District is committed to transparency, accountability and creating a safe environment for everyone.”

“We are actively investigating this and OCR will determine whether the policy violates Title IX,” the U.S. Department of Education told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

The department also cited Fox News Digital for its press release and Education Minister Linda McMahon’s posts on X.

The department’s press release pointed to a 2024 document involving LAUSD and the United Teachers of Los Angeles union.

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A Department of Education sign is displayed outside the federal student aid office in Washington, D.C., on May 18, 2025 (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)

“Upon reappointment of any UTLA member, they will be notified within 5 days of the general nature of the allegations made against them. We will notify them if they have been reappointed for any of the following categories. Additionally, reappointment will only occur if the nature of the allegations fits one of these definitions.” document It’s declared before we start listing categories like “Sexual harassment of a student, employee, school-associated adult, or other community member,” “Engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with a student, regardless of age, or other minor outside of LAUSD,” and others.

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

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McMahon added another to mail Wednesday, “Teachers’ unions advocate keeping children out of schools for protests, use dues to support political agendas, and negotiate protections for child abusers. Unions aren’t fighting for students or teachers; they’re fighting to maintain their own power.”

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A sign at the Los Angeles Unified School District Transportation Services near district headquarters in Los Angeles, California, on January 9, 2019. (FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

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“Under Title IX, schools must appropriately respond and respond in a timely manner to allegations of sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment and assault, but the District appears to be placing the continued employment of sexual harassers above the safety of students,” Deputy Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said, according to a U.S. Department of Education press release. he said. “It is unconscionable for the district to ignore Title IX’s procedural requirements to protect teachers who inflict life-changing harm on their children. The Trump Administration will always fight to uphold the law, protect the safety of all students, and restore common sense in our schools.”