California Attorney General Mandates Systemic Overhaul Of El Monte Union High School District Following Sexual Abuse Mishandling

California AG Rob Bonta announced a major settlement with El Monte Union High School District to reform its handling of sexual assault and harassment allegations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 20, 2026, 2:10 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from the State of California Department of Justice

DOJ Investigation Reveals Longstanding Failure To Protect Students

A rigorous investigation by the California Department of Justice has concluded that the El Monte Union High School District systematically failed to comply with state and federal laws designed to protect students from sexual violence. Spanning from 2018 to late 2025, the probe involved the review of over 199,000 emails, 88,000 documents, and 113 formal complaints. Investigators found that the District consistently mishandled reports of sexual harassment and assault involving employees and peers, effectively violating the California Education Code and the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act.

Stipulated Judgment Imposes Permanent Injunction And Oversight

The proposed settlement, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, permanently enjoins the District from further violations of anti-sexual assault laws. For a minimum of four years, the District will be subject to intense oversight by both the court and the Attorney General’s Office. This legal framework is designed to ensure that the systemic shortfalls identified during the investigation, including the failure to track complaints and provide legally adequate notices of nondiscrimination, are permanently eliminated.

Wide Ranging Reforms Target Infrastructure And Staffing

Under the terms of the settlement, the District must implement a series of structural reforms aimed at total transparency and accountability. The District must appoint a DOJ approved coordinator to lead all sexual misconduct investigations and create an electronic system to document every oral and written complaint. Additionally, a consolidated list of substitute teachers who have violated boundary policies will be maintained to prevent their reappointment, and board policies must be rewritten to align strictly with Title IX and state standards.