El Monte School District and DOJ Reach Agreement on Addressing Sexual Abuse Issues
Settlement Reached to Reform El Monte Union High School District’s Sexual Misconduct Protocols
EL MONTE, Calif. – The El Monte Union High School District has reached a stipulated settlement with the California Department of Justice to implement sweeping reforms in response to a comprehensive investigation into mishandled sexual misconduct complaints.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the agreement, which follows an 18-month investigation revealing extensive failures within the district to adequately address issues of sexual harassment and abuse. The probe assessed 113 complaints and included interviews with 26 individuals, including former students and staff. Bonta stated that the district "systemically violated laws" over a span of six years, failing to investigate allegations involving teachers, staff, and instances of student-on-student assault.
One alarming case highlighted during the investigation involved a student allegedly wielding a knife during a sexual assault. The district did not provide necessary support or initiate a formal complaint process for the victim.
"The district systemically violated laws and regulations and frequently failed to provide a legally adequate response to reports of abuse," Bonta remarked at a press conference. He expressed optimism about the district’s commitment to implement the required reforms under ongoing DOJ supervision.
In response to the settlement, Superintendent Dr. Edward Zuniga emphasized the district’s dedication to "enhanced protocols, increased transparency, and expanded training," asserting, "student safety and well-being remain our highest priorities."
The agreement mandates that the district appoint a DOJ-approved compliance coordinator and develop a centralized digital system to track all abuse complaints. Furthermore, the district must maintain a "do not re-hire" list for substitutes and provide continuous mental health services to those who have reported complaints. The California DOJ will oversee the district’s adherence to legal requirements moving forward.
