​AG Bonta announced a proposed stipulated judgment with the El Monte Union High School (District) to address critical and systemic shortfalls in the District’s response to allegations and complaints of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse of students. Following a comprehensive investigation, the California Department of Justice (DOJ) found that the District systemically violated laws and regulations in place to protect against and address these types of allegations and complaints, including the California Education Code and the Child Abuse and Neglect and Reporting Act. The stipulated judgment permanently enjoins the District from violating these and other anti-sexual assault laws, requires a minimum of four years of oversight by the court and Attorney General, and includes wide-ranging reforms to prevent, stop, and remedy sexual harassment, assault, or abuse on the District’s campuses.

“Every child deserves to learn and grow in a safe and supportive school environment. Unfortunately, our investigation found that this has not always been the case for students enrolled in El Monte Union High School District. Across multiple years, the District consistently mishandled students’ complaints of sexual harassment, assault, and abuse by District employees and others. In doing so, it jeopardized the safety and well-being of its students and violated the community’s trust. Today’s settlement marks a beginning, not an end. I am hopeful that the District will move swiftly to implement the reforms required by this settlement, and my office will be monitoring closely to ensure its compliance.” – AG Bonta