ED Announces New Sexual Misconduct and Title IX Enforcement Initiative

July 10, 2026

The U.S. Department of Education has announced a new national K-12 enforcement initiative focused on preventing sexual misconduct in schools and addressing the practice commonly known as "passing the trash"—when an employee credibly accused of sexual misconduct is allowed to move to another position or district without appropriate accountability. The initiative is accompanied by reminding K-12 districts of their legal obligations under ESEA and Title IX to appropriately respond to incidents of sexual misconduct. As part of the announcement, the Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) also launched 20 directed investigations into school districts whose Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) submissions raised questions about whether incidents of staff-on-student sexual misconduct were being properly addressed and reported.

While student safety has always been a fundamental responsibility of school systems, the announcement signals increased federal scrutiny of how districts investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, document incidents, report data, and ensure compliance with both Title IX and provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Department emphasized that districts receiving federal funds must respond promptly to allegations of sexual harassment and assault, conduct meaningful investigations independent of any law enforcement inquiry, and maintain policies designed to prevent employees suspected of misconduct from obtaining new positions in education without appropriate review.

For superintendents, the announcement serves as an important reminder to review existing policies, procedures, and reporting practices. District leaders should work closely with legal counsel and Title IX coordinators to ensure investigative processes are thorough and timely, employee screening and hiring practices align with federal requirements, and staff understand their obligations regarding reporting and documentation. Equally important is ensuring that data submitted through the Civil Rights Data Collection accurately reflects reported incidents and district responses. Regardless of changes in federal administrations or enforcement priorities, maintaining a safe learning environment for students remains both a legal obligation and a core moral responsibility. This latest initiative suggests that OCR intends to place renewed emphasis on oversight and enforcement in this area, making proactive compliance reviews a prudent step for school systems nationwide.