The U.S. Department of Education is reportedly investigating three Georgia school systems suspected of “passing the trash” — the practice of letting teachers or employees who were accused of sexual misconduct transfer to other positions.
The three Georgia school systems under investigation are DeKalb County, Richmond County and Savannah-Chatham County, according to a list obtained and published by ProPublica and KQED in Northern California. There are a total of 20 school systems being investigated nationwide.
The department opened the investigations based on data collected in 2023-2024 that suggested the districts may not be appropriately addressing staff accused of sexual misconduct with students, according to a news release from the agency.
A letter sent to schools this month from U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon states that there is a “troubling and recurring pattern in schools” of credible reports of abuse by adults going uninvestigated.
“Sexual predators who operate within the walls of American schools depend on institutional silence and complacency,” the letter begins. “Such silence is not only a moral failure but also violates federal law designed to protect our most defenseless class of citizens — our children.”
The DeKalb County School District follows the law when it comes to allegations of student abuse, interim Superintendent Norman Sauce said in an emailed statement. The investigation is not evidence of a civil rights violation, he stated.
“What our students, families, staff, and community should know is this: Student safety is not negotiable,” the statement read. “Protecting every student entrusted to our care is our highest responsibility. It is the foundation of public trust, and we will never compromise our commitment to providing safe schools, holding individuals accountable, and complying fully with all applicable state and federal laws.”
In a similar statement, Richmond County Superintendent Malinda Cobb also reaffirmed the district’s commitment to following the law.
“While we understand this news may raise questions, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority,” she said in a letter to families. “Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment, and every family deserves confidence that their child is cared for while at school.”
The Savannah-Chatham County School District “maintains procedures that are designed to keep students safe including the removal of staff from student facing positions when there are allegations of misconduct,” a statement from the district read. The district intends to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Each year, school systems report data on key civil rights issues like student discipline to the federal government. Among other things, the U.S. Department of Education asked schools to report how many staff members were accused of rape or sexual assault at the school, and were then reassigned before final discipline or termination. Data for the 2023-2024 school year has not been made public.
The investigations will determine whether the districts are handling allegations of sexual assault in accordance with federal law, according to the release.
The department reminded educational institutions that they are obligated to protect students from sexual misconduct, prevent “pass the trash” practices, accurately collect and report data and conduct meaningful investigations.
Full statement from the DeKalb County School District interim Superintendent Norman Sauce:
“The safety and well-being of every student is the DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) highest priority. Protecting students is our most important responsibility. Every allegation involving student safety is taken seriously, reported as required by law, reviewed through established processes, and addressed promptly in accordance with federal and state law, Board policy, and District procedures.
“The District has received a letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) notifying DCSD of a directed investigation. According to OCR, the review will examine the District’s reporting of certain 2023-24 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) information and whether its policies, procedures, and handling of allegations involving sexual harassment and sexual assault are consistent with Title IX requirements.
“OCR’s letter also states that the initiation of an investigation is not evidence of a violation of federal civil rights laws or regulations. OCR has indicated it will conduct a neutral review to determine compliance.
“DCSD expects every employee to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and comply with Georgia’s mandatory reporting laws and Board policy. Allegations involving suspected child abuse or potential criminal conduct are reported to the appropriate law enforcement and child protection agencies. The District fully cooperates with law enforcement, child welfare officials, and all external investigations.
“Because student and personnel matters are confidential, the District cannot comment on specific allegations or active investigations.
“What our students, families, staff, and community should know is this: Student safety is not negotiable. Protecting every student entrusted to our care is our highest responsibility. It is the foundation of public trust, and we will never compromise our commitment to providing safe schools, holding individuals accountable, and complying fully with all applicable state and federal laws.”
Full statement from the Savannah-Chatham County School District:
“We are aware of the investigation and the District intents to fully cooperate with the Office of Civil Rights. The Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) is committed to protecting its students and treats all allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment very seriously. We work daily to offer a welcoming school environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. SCCPSS maintains procedures that are designed to keep students safe including the removal of staff from student facing positions when there are allegations of misconduct.”
Full statement from Richmond County School District Superintendent Malinda Cobb:
“Our community may have seen recent news regarding a U.S. Department of Education investigation involving the review of Civil Rights Data Collection submissions from selected school systems, including Richmond County. While we understand this news may raise questions, I want to reassure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Every student deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment, and every family deserves confidence that their child is cared for while at school.
“The Richmond County School System is one of 20 districts across Georgia and the nation to receive a letter from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights regarding the 2023–2024 Civil Rights Data Collection submission. According to OCR, the review will examine certain reported data and whether our policies, procedures, and response to allegations involving sexual harassment and sexual assault are consistent with Title IX requirements.
“OCR’s letter also states that the initiation of this review is not evidence of a violation of federal civil rights laws or regulations. The Office for Civil Rights has indicated it will conduct a neutral review to determine compliance, and we will fully cooperate throughout the process.
“The Richmond County School System takes all reports involving student safety and employee misconduct seriously. We follow established federal and state laws, Board policies, and administrative procedures when responding to concerns, and we cooperate with law enforcement, child protection agencies, and other appropriate authorities as required.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with state and federal officials throughout this review while remaining focused on serving our students and supporting our schools.
“We remain committed to providing safe and secure learning environments where every student can learn, grow, and thrive. Thank you for the trust you place in the Richmond County School System each day. We do not take that trust for granted, and we remain committed to earning it through our actions.”
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Richmond County Schools.
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