Every parent, caregiver, and community member expects schools to be a safe place for children to learn and grow. Yet, across Kentucky, we continue to hear stories of students being harmed by those entrusted with their education. Too often these cases of educator sexual misconduct are met with delayed action, quiet dismissals, or a lack of accountability. This leaves students vulnerable and families without answers.

Representative Tipton has filed legislation to address this issue for three straight sessions (2023 HB 288, 2024 HB 275, 2025 HB 36). Each time, the bill has gained bipartisan support in both the state House and Senate; however, each session has ended without the bill becoming law. As the 2026 legislative session approaches, advocates, parents, and communities must make it clear that protecting children cannot wait.

What the Data Tells Us

  • Between 2016 and 2021, 61% of Kentucky educators who lost their teaching licenses did so because of sexual misconduct.
  • Most sexual abuse is never reported, with over 70% of victims not disclosing within five years of the experience.
  • Survivors of childhood sexual abuse face long-term challenges and are less likely to graduate high school, complete college, maintain full-time employment, or report financial stability compared to peers who were not abused.

Challenging Common Myths

Conversations around educator sexual misconduct are often filled with misinformation. Addressing these myths is essential to understanding why stronger laws are needed.

“False accusations are common”

A comprehensive review of child sexual abuse allegations research found that false reports occur in only 2 to 5 percent of cases. The far greater problem is that most children never disclose abuse, often because they fear they will not be believed.

“Schools already have policies in place to handle this”

Current Kentucky laws leave serious gaps. Without clear requirements for internal and external reporting, reference checks, and full investigations, educators accused of misconduct can quietly resign and take positions in other districts, leaving students at risk.

“This will unfairly target good teachers or make hiring harder”

The vast majority of teachers act with integrity and care deeply about their students. Stronger safeguards do not make hiring more difficult. They make it safer for educators and students, giving families confidence that the adults in their children’s classrooms can be trusted.

The Solution: Close Dangerous Loopholes

To ensure that all kids can learn and thrive free from abuse by trusted adults, a bill must be passed that:

  • Prohibits nondisclosure agreements that allow misconduct to be hidden instead of addressed.
  • Strengthens hiring and reference checks so schools know about prior allegations or investigations before employing an educator.
  • Requires full investigations of misconduct allegations to prevent educators from quietly transferring to another district.
  • Mandates training on recognizing grooming behaviors and preventing sexual misconduct.

Take Action Now

Without stronger protections, educators who harm students will continue to transfer to other districts in the state and continue their abuse. Kentucky must take action in 2026 to finally pass legislation that closes these gaps.

Advocates, parents, and community members can help by:

  • Contacting your state legislators during the interim and urging them to prioritize this issue in the next session. 
  • Challenging harmful myths that downplay or dismiss educator misconduct.
  • Talking about this issue in your community and networks to raise awareness and build support for change.
  • Listening when a child tells you they are being harmed and taking the appropriate action.