McMahon: Crackdown on Teacher-Student Sexual Misconduct ‘Must End’
U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared a firm commitment Sunday to intensifying federal efforts against sexual misconduct involving school personnel and students, emphasizing that such behavior must cease. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union,” McMahon specifically targeted the practice of some school districts reassigning educators accused of misconduct rather than terminating their employment.
A Renewed Focus on Accountability
McMahon expressed strong disapproval of situations where educators accused of serious offenses are moved to different roles or schools without the allegations significantly impacting their professional record. “And it’s not part of their record or anything, so we have really been cracking down on that as well,” she stated, highlighting the department’s increased scrutiny on these reassignment practices.
The Education Department’s stance comes amid concerning statistics and reports of systemic failures. A 2004 review cited by McMahon indicated that approximately one in ten students surveyed across grades 8 through 11 had experienced some form of sexual misconduct from an educator. The department has been careful to note that this definition encompasses a broad range of behaviors, from physical and verbal harassment to visual conduct, and is distinct from the more narrowly defined legal term of sexual abuse.
Examining Troubling Trends
Recent investigative reporting has brought to light specific instances that underscore the urgency of McMahon’s remarks. ProPublica and KQED reported that California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing did not revoke the licenses of at least 67 educators between 2019 and 2025, despite findings of sexual misconduct against students by their school districts. Alarmingly, at least 14 of these individuals were subsequently hired by other school districts, and as of May, 12 were still employed in education.
Adding to these concerns, the Department of Education initiated a Title IX investigation in May into the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). This action followed scrutiny of an agreement between LAUSD and the United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA). The department alleged that this agreement might permit teachers credibly accused of certain misconduct—including sexual or romantic relationships with students, possession of child pornography, or failure to report suspected child abuse—to be reassigned while investigations proceed, rather than being immediately removed from student contact or terminated.
In a previous statement, McMahon articulated the core principle guiding the department’s actions: “Our schools must protect America’s children. Parents should never have to wonder whether their kids’ school employs and protects sexual predators.” She emphasized the legal and moral obligation of schools receiving federal funding to safeguard students, report misconduct transparently, and adhere to the law.
Both LAUSD and UTLA have contested the department’s characterization of the reassignment policy. They maintain that reassignment, in their context, involves placing an employee on administrative leave, away from students, during an investigation. They assert that termination remains a potential outcome if allegations are substantiated.
Enforcement and Future Protections
McMahon has communicated the potential consequences for institutions failing to uphold federal standards. In a letter, she warned that schools not in compliance with Title IX and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act could face enforcement actions, including the possible cessation of federal funding. This signals a nationwide initiative to combat sexual misconduct by adults in positions of authority within educational settings.
“Make no mistake, the Department will fully enforce federal law and employ every resource at its disposal to protect children from sexual predators,” McMahon affirmed. “Those schools that allow sexual misconduct to occur risk the termination of applicable federal assistance provided by the federal government.”
Concluding her remarks, McMahon delivered a powerful call to action: “This epidemic of nationwide sexual abuse in our schools must end.” The department’s renewed focus signals a commitment to ensuring that educational environments are safe havens for students, free from the threat of misconduct by those entrusted with their care.
