Trump Administration Targets California Schools Accused Of Shielding Abusive Teachers

The Trump administration has launched a nationwide crackdown on school districts accused of protecting teachers facing allegations of sexual misconduct, warning that California schools could lose up to $50 million in federal funding if they fail to comply with federal law.

The Department of Education says several California school districts have policies or union agreements that allow teachers accused of sexually abusing students to remain employed or be reassigned while investigations are underway. Federal officials argue those practices may violate Title IX by putting students at risk instead of prioritizing their safety.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said schools receiving federal funding have a legal obligation to protect children from sexual abuse and harassment. She warned that districts failing to meet those responsibilities could face significant financial penalties or the loss of federal education funding.

The investigation builds on an earlier federal probe into the Los Angeles Unified School District, where the administration alleged district policies may have allowed teachers accused of sexual misconduct to remain in the school system rather than being permanently removed from student-facing roles. District officials have denied those allegations, saying employees under investigation are removed from classrooms while cases are reviewed.

Administration officials say the broader effort will examine whether school districts across the country have adopted policies that prioritize employment protections over student safety. The Department of Education indicated additional investigations could follow if similar practices are discovered elsewhere.

The announcement marks another step in the Trump administration’s broader effort to increase federal oversight of schools receiving taxpayer funding. Officials say protecting students from sexual abuse will remain a top enforcement priority and warned that districts failing to comply with federal civil rights laws should expect aggressive action.