US Education Department Targets Schools Shielding Staff in Misconduct Cases

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced intensified efforts by the Trump administration to hold schools and teacher unions accountable for alleged shielding of adults accused of sexual misconduct. The department initiated 20 investigations into districts suspected of failing to address staff-on-student abuse, warning that federal funding could be jeopardized if schools do not report misconduct and protect students. This action follows a reported 55% increase in teacher-on-student sexual misconduct between 2016 and 2017, underscoring a critical focus on student safety and institutional accountability.