The California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit

See If You Qualify!

Multiple public and private schools in California are facing sexual abuse lawsuits. Allegations filed against schools accuse administrators of failing to provide a safe environment for students, engaging in cover-ups of the abuse, and not reporting claims to the proper authorities.

In some instances, allegations of abuse date back decades. However, the California Child Victims Act (AB 218) gives survivors of childhood sexual assault more time to come forward and file lawsuits related to school abuse.

This page will discuss sexual abuse at California schools, including updates on any current or future lawsuits, eligibility requirements for taking legal action, deadlines that may apply to a case, and how survivors can pursue compensation and settlements.

California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Updates

September 8, 2025: New Bill Would Give California Officials More Tools to Combat Sexual Abuse

A new bill, deemed the “Safe Learning Environments Act,” would create a database for district administrators to see employee misconduct prior to hiring new staff. It would require stricter employment screenings for non-teachers and extend mandated reporter requirements. The bill comes after an in-depth report about extensive, systemic, decades-long sexual misconduct at one California school (Rosemead High).

August 22, 2025: California School District Reaches $6 Million Settlement to Resolve Sexual Abuse Claim

The Twin Rivers Unified School District has reached a $6 million settlement to resolve claims of sexual abuse against a former Del Paso Heights Elementary School teacher. The teacher reportedly sexually assaulted students as young as 7, using his authority as the head of the school’s audio-video club to get students alone. The lawsuit alleges that the school failed to act, despite being warned about potential misconduct. A second lawsuit by another student has been filed alleging similar abuse.

May 30, 2025: Music Teacher at Berkeley’s Bayhill High Charged with Sexual Abuse

A music teacher at Berkeley’s Bayhill High School has been charged with sexual assault after reportedly engaging in sexual activity with an underage student. The 49-year-old teacher was fired from his private school position after explicit text messages indicated an inappropriate relationship may be happening between him and a student.

April 4, 2025: Los Angeles County Reaches $4 Billion Settlement Agreement with Sexual Abuse Survivors

Recently, Los Angeles County reached an agreement to settle thousands of claims of abuse at juvenile facilities throughout the area, including the MacLaren Children’s Center. The County of Los Angeles has agreed to a $4 billion settlement arrangement to resolve nearly 7,000 claims of sexual abuse at juvenile centers throughout the area. Allegations date back to 1959. A 2020 law allowed survivors a three-year window to bring claims forward that were otherwise barred by a statute of limitations.

February 10, 2025: California School Districts May Face Up to $2 Billion or More in Assault Claims

Districts in California are potentially facing $2 billion in sexual abuse claims dating back to the 1970s. A change in state law, which expanded exposure to schools, has allowed more survivors to come forward, many of whom were previously barred by a strict statute of limitations. In a similar case, a Miramonte Elementary School teacher assaulted children for decades, resulting in a $139.2 million settlement.

About the California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit:

About the California School Sexual Abuse Crisis

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse have exposed the crisis of abuse in California’s schools. Nationally, it is estimated that school employees engage in sexual misconduct with as many as 1 in 10 students. For perspective, there are currently more than 5.8 million K-12 students in California’s schools. That means at least 580,000 school children in California have experienced sexual misconduct involving school staff or their peers. That number is likely much higher, as the abuse is often underreported.

In recent years, California has seen a wave of lawsuits filed against schools alleging sexual abuse of students. Some of those cases were made possible by reforms to California’s laws.

In order to hold more abusers and institutions accountable, California passed a law in 2020 to help childhood sexual assault survivors. AB-218 resulted in thousands of lawsuits being filed by survivors whose lawsuits were previously too “old” to be filed (i.e., the statute of limitations for filing had expired).

The new law opened a 3-year lookback window. During that window, anyone could bring a lawsuit against a school, no matter when the abuse happened. Present day, survivors in California have until they are 40 years old (or until 5 years after they discover the impact of their abuse, whichever is later) to file a civil lawsuit related to childhood sex abuse.

Many children in California are groomed by trusted authority figures. The actual number of sexual abuse victims at California public and private schools is likely much higher than 1 in 10, as many cases go unreported. While abuse can happen at any school, some institutions seem to have higher instances than others. Private and boarding schools, where students are made to live on campus, are known for abusive environments.

Schools where sexual abuse can occur in California:

• Private schools
• Boarding schools
• Public schools
• Charter schools
• Military schools
• Day schools
• Elementary schools
• Middle schools
• Junior high schools
• High schools
• Parochial schools
• Reform schools
• Colleges and universities

Most teachers and staff at California schools are mandated reporters, meaning that any reasonable suspicion of abuse must be reported to local law enforcement or a child welfare agency immediately. But, lawsuits indicate that reporting often does not happen or happens too slowly. People who fail to properly follow reporting requirements may be teachers, coaches, staff, administrators, volunteers, or other students.

California Schools Implicated in Sexual Abuse Cases

Many private and public schools have been implicated in sexual abuse scandals. Legal claims allege that in many cases these institutions knew that the abuse was occurring and failed to act, ignoring complaints of students and staff. In some instances, the abuse occurred for decades, with administrators minimizing reports of abuse, silencing survivors, and allowing the abuse to continue.

Del Paso Heights Elementary School, Located in Sacramento, CA

Former Del Paso Heights Elementary School teacher Kim Kenneth Wilson was sentenced to 215 years in prison, according to a press release by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. In February 2025, the former educator pled to nine counts of committing lewd acts upon a child. An investigation revealed that he would use his position as the head of the media/broadcasting club to lure young females alone before assaulting them, in some cases filming the crime.

Thacher School Located, in Ojai, CA

A months-long independent investigation into sexual abuse and misconduct at the private, elite boarding school located in Ojai, found that allegations spanned over decades. The report detailed instances of grooming, sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Nearly 100 cases of abuse or misconduct were eventually filed.

Segerstrom High School, Located in Santa Ana, CA

Multiple boys say their reports of sexual misconduct were ignored at Segerstrom High School in Santa Ana, CA, after a part-time baseball coach was arrested for attempted lewd and lascivious conduct and contacting a minor with the intent to commit a sex offense. An investigation revealed that the coach solicited photos from one teen and potentially sent inappropriate photos to another.

Rosemead High School, Located in Rosemead, CA

Investigative journalism by Business Insider in 2023 revealed a decades-long history of sexual misconduct at Rosemead High. The abuse ran the gambit from the facility allowing them to continue teaching despite multiple allegations of abuse or inappropriate behavior. Sexual relationships were persistent between teachers and students, highlighting concerns that students were being groomed for sexual abuse. The reporting led to changes in the state law that would allow more survivors to come forward with their stories.

Other School Sexual Abuse Cases in California

More than 580,000 children face sexual misconduct from adults in their schools, according to data from the California Department of Education and the U.S. government. Sexual assault can occur at any school at any grade level, regardless of social, economic, religious, or other factors.

How California Schools Failed to Protect Students

Lawsuits filed against California schools where abuse was allowed to occur allege that the institutions did little to protect students from harm. Instead, many schools prioritized their prestige or reputation over the safety of their students.

California school administrators failed to protect students from sexual abuse in the following ways:

• Failing to properly screen teachers and staff
• Failing to protect vulnerable students, such as those with disabilities or other obstacles
• Not taking complaints of sexual misconduct seriously
• Passively allowing hazing activities that allowed students to commit acts of sexual assault
• Allowing perpetrators to end their employment, allowing them to be rehired at other schools
• Taking steps to cover-up or hide the abuse
• Not following Title IX requirements for sexual assault and misconduct
• Not upholding mandatory reporting laws
• Retaliating against survivors and families who reported abuse
• Prioritizing their reputations and finances over student safety

Reports include that schools concealed allegations of abuse for decades, allowing teachers and other staff members to continue working despite concerns over their conduct. The failure to act or report allegations to authorities allowed the abuse to continue for years.

Often the perpetrators of the abuse were fellow students. In these cases, teachers, coaches, or staff members who were in a position of authority and who had a duty to protect students turned a blind eye to student-on-student abuse.

Instead of removing known offenders from their positions, expelling student perpetrators, or failing to file claims over abuse, many schools chose to protect the perpetrator, effectively silencing survivors.

Failure to Screen and Supervise Faculty and Staff

Lawsuits allege that schools where sexual abuse occurred often had institutional failures when it came to screening and supervising faculty and staff. In many instances, teachers were allowed to be alone with students or to continue working despite previous allegations of abuse. Even teachers who were disciplined in other states or had their licenses revoked were allowed to work in California due to a practice called “passing the trash.” A report found that only 4 states fully complied with a provision of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that would help to prevent the rehiring of a teacher previously released for sexual abuse.

Ignoring and Dismissing Student Complaints

School administrators and districts frequently ignored or downplayed student complaints related to sexual abuse. Even when it was clear that the abuse was pervasive, many schools chose to cover up the allegations instead of turning over the reports to authorities as is required by California law.

Cover-Ups and Reassignments of Abusers

In some instances, instead of reporting the abuse, districts allowed accused teachers to quietly resign in an effort to downplay the assault. Other staff were reassigned in an effort to minimize the potential fallout of abuse. In many cases, this leads to additional instances of abuse, increasing the number of victims and allowing the abuse to continue over the course of several years.

Lack of Mandatory Reporting to California Authorities

California law requires teachers and most staff at public and private schools in the state to report any allegations or suspicions of child sex abuse. Despite these legal requirements, many teachers, staff, and administrators failed to report suspected abuse to local law enforcement or child welfare agencies.

Failing to Protect Vulnerable Students

Research suggests that California’s most vulnerable students, including those with mental or physical disabilities or those with little parental supervision, were often targeted by perpetrators. Additionally, students living at boarding schools and other elite private schools were frequently targeted by abusers.

Prioritizing the School’s Reputation Over Student Safety

In nearly all instances where allegations of abuse were not reported, the school is believed to have prioritized its own reputation over the safety of its students. This decision reinforced the systemic failure that has led to decades-long instances of abuse and misconduct at schools throughout California.

What Constitutes Sexual Abuse in California’s Schools

Sexual abuse in California schools can encompass a wide range of misconduct. Sexual assault can range from making lewd or inappropriate comments to non-consensual intercourse. According to California Penal Code 11165.1, sexual abuse may include sexual assault or sexual exploitation as defined by California law.

The following acts may constitute sexual abuse in California schools:

• Non-consensual intercourse
• Statutory rape
• Forcing a minor to watch a sexual act
• Sending lewd or suggestive texts to a minor
• Incest
• Sodomy
• Oral copulation
• Lewd or lascivious acts upon a child
• Exposing children to sexually suggestive or exploitive material
• Forced or unwanted touching

Who Can File a California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

It is believed that there may be thousands of survivors of sexual abuse at California schools. Individuals who suffered any form of abuse while attending a private or public school in the state are encouraged to seek legal counsel. Survivors have rights, and coming forward can help stop institutional negligence and help to bring justice to all of those involved.

Eligibility criteria in a California school sexual abuse lawsuit may include:

• Having been the victim of sexual abuse at a California school or having been the victim of abuse at the hands of a California school teacher, administrator, coach, staff member, volunteer, or another student.
• Cases may be subject to a legal deadline, requiring prompt filing of the allegations. Survivors are encouraged to come forward as early in the process as possible.

Can Parents File Sex Abuse Lawsuits on Behalf of a Minor Child in California?

Parents of minor children who were sexually abused at a California school may file a lawsuit on their child’s behalf. Through the lawsuit, parents can pursue compensation for any economic and non-economic losses related to the abuse, including emotional suffering, academic decline, lost wages, and cost of treatment or therapy.

What Can Parents Do if Their Child Was Abused at a California School?

Parents who discover that their child was the victim of sexual abuse at a California school are encouraged to remain vigilant. Documenting the abuse can help to strengthen the case for investigators. It is important to report the allegations immediately and to take steps to protect your child, ensuring they are no longer around the perpetrator.

Document any and all details of the abuse, marking down important information such as times, dates, and names of anyone that was told. Put all reporting in writing and keep a copy for your own records. Take your child to get medical care for any physical, emotional, or mental harm caused by the abuse.

When you are ready, it is recommended that you speak with an attorney. An attorney can help provide guidance and resources about the rights of a survivor. They understand how difficult coming forward can be for a victim and their family. Your legal team will do everything to maintain confidentiality throughout the process. Coming forward helps to hold institutions accountable for their wrongdoing and can bring survivors a sense of justice.

Compensation Available to California School Sexual Abuse Victims

Childhood sexual assault survivors can experience a range of impacts throughout their lives. These impacts can affect survivors’ physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing.

Survivors of sexual abuse at a California school may be entitled to compensation for their economic and non-economic losses. Depending on the situation, survivors may be entitled to damages related to medical expenses, lost wages, costs of therapy, and pain and suffering. In some instances, survivors will be eligible for punitive damages, which are designed to hold the school accountable for their wrongdoing.

Settlement values typically depend on factors such as the length and severity of the abuse, as well as whether there was evidence of institutional negligence. An attorney can help provide an accurate assessment of the potential case value of a specific claim.

How to File a California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Survivors of sexual abuse at California schools are encouraged to come forward when they are able to. Depending on the circumstances of the case, survivors may be able to file a lawsuit against the perpetrator, administrators, or the school itself. It is important to consider lawsuit filing deadlines when considering a case. A qualified attorney can inform survivors of how long they might have to file a lawsuit.

Steps to follow to file a California school sexual abuse lawsuit:

1. Contact a reputable law firm for a free case evaluation. An attorney can provide an accurate eligibility assessment and determine the best course of legal action.
2. Collect evidence to help strengthen the case. Evidence may include medical records, attendance records, witness statements, text messages, voicemails, and photos or videos implicating the abuser or talking with friends about the abuse.
3. File the lawsuit in the appropriate courthouse within the statute of limitations.
4. Enter into negotiations for a settlement or take the matter to trial, depending on the circumstances of the case. Attorneys with King Law are well-versed in sexual abuse litigation and provide tailored representation throughout every step of the case.

What Is the Deadline to File a California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?

The statute of limitations has been abolished for civil lawsuits related to acts of childhood sexual abuse occurring on or after January 1, 2024, under California Penal Code 340.1. A Certificate of Merit must be filed by plaintiffs who are 40 years of age or older at the time of filing. The statute of limitations for criminal lawsuits related to sexual abuse ranges from 1 year to a lifetime depending on the act.

Statutes of limitation in California school sexual abuse cases are complex and should be reviewed by an experienced attorney.

In 2020, the state passed Assembly Bill 218, which allowed a three-year look-back period for cases of sexual abuse that were previously barred by the statute of limitations. While the look-back period has expired, survivors may still be able to file. An attorney can provide guidance about any legal deadlines that may apply to the case and whether all eligibility requirements are met before filing.

Survivor Look-Back Window in California

In 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law a bill that established a three-year look-back window for cases of sexual abuse. While the window is now closed, the influx of cases has lawmakers considering a new bill that would diminish some of the rights afforded to survivors. Senate Bill 577 would shorten the discovery window from 5 to 3 years and would require adults 40 years or older to prove gross negligence.

Can a Child Sex Abuse Survivor File a Lawsuit as an Adult?

A child sex abuse survivor in California may file a lawsuit as an adult until the age of 40 or within five years of discovering the abuse and its effects. It is important to discuss your case with an attorney to ensure eligibility.

Estimated Settlement Amounts in the California School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Settlement amounts in California school sexual abuse lawsuits are expected to vary significantly. Factors that may influence a settlement include the severity and length of the abuse, impact to a survivor’s quality of life, and whether there is proof of institutional negligence. While every case is unique, anticipated settlements for severe cases may range between $25,000 and $500,000.

King Law Is Accepting California School Sexual Abuse Claims

King Law has extensive experience representing survivors in sexual abuse cases. The firm is a dedicated advocate for survivors, working tirelessly to seek justice and hold institutions accountable for their wrongdoing. King Law continues to actively review and accept California school sexual abuse claims.

Contact a California School Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Survivors of California school sexual assault deserve to have a voice. They have rights and need to know that they have an advocate willing to seek justice on their behalf. King Law understands the deep trauma that childhood sexual abuse can cause, particularly when the perpetrator is a trusted figure at a California school. Survivors are encouraged to contact King Law today at (585) 270-8882 to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Now is the time to take back your voice and stand up to the administrators and institutions that caused unimaginable harm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)