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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — Representing investigative journalist Holly McDede, the First Amendment Coalition filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) for unlawfully withholding public records related to teacher and school employee misconduct — including sexual misconduct — in violation of the California Public Records Act. The district concealed many of the requested documents for nearly two years, stonewalling the public’s fundamental right to government transparency and accountability.
“This is the kind of critical information parents need to make informed decisions about their children’s education and safety,” said McDede. “The public demands transparency from government agencies to provide this information so they can hold school officials accountable.”
The complaint alleges that LAUSD failed to comply with a public records request submitted in June 2024, which sought records pertaining to disciplinary actions, complaints, and investigations involving district teachers and other employees.
“When a district stonewalls legitimate records requests for almost two years — records about misconduct by the very people entrusted with children’s safety — it violates both the law and the public trust,” said FAC Legal Director David Loy.
Among the records McDede requested in June 2024 were records related to claims of misconduct against teachers or other school employees, including allegations, investigatory reports, settlement agreements, termination or transfer papers, employment reclassification documents, records of disciplinary actions, and referrals to law enforcement . A second, still-outstanding public records request made in October 2025 seeks similar records specifically related to claims of sexual misconduct.
The lawsuit, McDede v. Los Angeles Unified School District, was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.