Glenn Sacks, a representative of the LA teachers union, seems to present himself as having all the solutions to the persistent issue of child sexual abuse in schools, as highlighted in his piece, “Teachers deserve presumption of innocence,” dated May 13. However, his perspective raises significant concerns.

Sacks appears to misplace blame, targeting victims, the US Department of Education, and a host of others, while sidestepping the responsibility of the predators themselves and the school officials who may conceal these heinous acts. This approach neglects the fundamental issue: a pervasive culture within the LA Unified School District (LAUSD) that seemingly underestimates the necessity of child safety.

Moreover, Sacks’ assertion that students from low-income backgrounds and immigrant families are fabricating sexual abuse allegations against teachers for financial gain is not only unfounded but also deeply troubling in its racially insensitive overtones. Such claims detract from the real and pressing issue at hand.

The unfortunate reality is that teachers with a known history of predatory behavior are frequently placed in Title 1 schools that serve low-income communities, where immigrant families may harbor distrust toward law enforcement and hesitate to report abuse. This pattern of behavior further endangers the most vulnerable students and underscores the need for systemic change within the educational establishment.

The sad fact is that teachers with a history of predatory behavior are often placed in low-income Title 1 schools where immigrant children and their families are less likely to trust law enforcement and report abuse. In case after case, these teachers prey upon the most vulnerable children.

Just look at South Gate High School, a school in South LA whose student body is 92% low-income and nearly 100% minority. 

In 2009, a substitute teacher at the school, Jesus Saenz, was convicted of unlawful sex with a minor. His victim, a student at the high school, had reported the incident to the school’s leadership. 

The principal and assistant principal, Jesus Angulo and Maria Sotomayor, respectively, in turn allegedly told the victim to recant her statement and decline to report the incident, according to a civil lawsuit. 

Angulo and Sotomayor also ended up pleading guilty to failing to report. They are both still employed by LAUSD. 

This shows that, despite Sacks’ denial, there is a “problem with the way LAUSD handles abuse allegations.”

If LAUSD took abuse allegations seriously, then it wouldn’t continue to employ staff with convictions for failing to report abuse allegations. 

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It’s indisputable that sexual misconduct by school employees is a rampant issue. Study after study shows that this is the case. 

A 2004 Department of Education study conducted by Dr. Charol Shakeshaft found that nearly 10% of students reported at least one incident of employee sexual misconduct during K-12 schooling. 

A more recent 2023 study found that 17% of students reported educator sexual misconduct, with 8% reporting physical sexual conduct. 

This widespread abuse is the result of a system that shuffles around teachers accused of wrongdoing. This practice is known as “passing the trash,” and LAUSD has a lengthy track record of it.  

David Ostovich sexually molested three elementary school students at Langdon Avenue Elementary School even after he received dozens of complaints for his inappropriate behavior at a previous school in LA.

Mark Berndt was a teacher at LAUSD’s Miramonte Elementary School from 1976 until 2011. During his decades-long tenure at Miramonte, many complaints and allegations of sexual misconduct were lodged against him, largely without any consequence. These complaints appear to begin as early as the 1980–1981 school year and continued until 2012, when his disgusting photos of students were uncovered. To date, more than 100 victims have come forward. 

Steve Rooney was transferred out of Fremont High School to a middle school in Watts after he was investigated for having sex with an underage student. Once at Markham Middle School in Watts, Rooney molested a student.

“Passing the trash” is unfortunately a statewide problem. Just this month, ProPublica reported how a teacher, Jason Agan, continues to work in a California school despite being fired in 2019 from another school after 11 students and a parent submitted written complaints accusing him of unwanted touching. The state’s commission on teacher credentialing’s “sanction” was merely a seven-day license suspension, though Agan has “previously denied any sexual motivation in touching students, reportedly telling the independent panel that he was simply offering students support and encouragement,” according to Bay Area public radio station KQED.

This is not an accident. It is a result of a profoundly broken culture and agreements between teachers unions, including United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA), and school districts — agreements that protect predators from discipline and dismissal and prevent parents from learning the identities of predators in their children’s classrooms.

The American Federation of Teachers, which has UTLA as a member, is on record opposing mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse by teachers.

Its president, Randi Weingarten, said, “Unfortunately, mandatory reporting often places educators in the difficult position of accidentally catalyzing harm, rather than helping.” What right-thinking person or organization would oppose mandatory reporting of child molesters?

It is not “bombast” for the US Department of Education to determine whether LAUSD’s handling of alleged sexual harassment, including sexual assault, by teachers, administrators, and/or staff, violated Title IX. It is their job. And it should be the job of every teacher, administrator, and union official.

John Manly is the founder and partner of Manly, Stewart, and Finaldi and a preeminent attorney representing victims of sexual abuse in schools. 

Fans were taken by surprise when former Disney star Steven Anthony Lawrence appeared on Rob Lowe’s game show, The Floor, this week.

Now 35, Lawrence is best remembered for his role as Bernard “Beans” Aranguren on Disney Channel’s popular series Even Stevens, which aired from 2001 to 2003.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, he also starred in several beloved children’s films, including My Favorite Martian alongside Jeff Daniels, The Cat In The Hat with Mike Myers, and Cheaper By The Dozen featuring Steve Martin.

While he still takes on acting roles, his last major film appearance was in the 2005 comedy Kicking & Screaming, where he acted alongside Will Ferrell.

On Wednesday, Lawrence competed on Lowe’s trivia game show on FOX, aiming for the top prize of $250,000.

Former Disney child star Steven Anthony Lawrence enjoyed roles in the Steve Martin film Cheaper by the Dozen and The Cat In The Hat alongside Mike Myers, Dakota Fanning and Kelly Preston (seen above)

Seen here in 2005, Lawrence shocked fans as he made an appearance on Rob Lowe’s game show The Floor this week

Lawrence was a contestant on Wednesday’s episode of the FOX trivia series to try to win the grand prize of $250,000

He took part in the Renaissance Faire category with another player named Morgan and was later questioned by Lowe why he chose the specific segment in a short clip. 

The star explained that in the past he has ‘played an elf’ and ‘done a bunch of character roles in my life, so I’m feeling very knowledgeable in the category.’ 

Lawrence was also asked to share what his ‘favorite role’ has been, to which he replied with, ‘Favorite was definitely Beans from Even Stevens.’ 

The live audience erupted into applause as he briefly mentioned the hit Disney show which aired over 20 years earlier.

Lawrence eventually won the Renaissance-themed round and scored 17 spaces on the game floor. 

However, when the star competed against another contestant named Anthony in the Global News category, he lost the round. 

Lawrence found fame when he was cast in a recurring role alongside Shia LaBeouf on the Disney Channel original series Even Stevens in 2001.

On the show, Lawrence played Beans, the Stevens’ extremely annoying neighbor, who comes into their home uninvited, makes himself at home, and refuses to leave.

Lawrence found fame when he was cast in a recurring role alongside Shia LaBeouf on the Disney Channel original series Even Stevens in 2001; seen above far bottom right

Lawrence was also asked to share what his ‘favorite role’ has been, to which he replied with, ‘Favorite was definitely Beans from Even Stevens’

His character eventually turned into a sidekick for Louis, played by LaBeouf, and Twitty’s schemes, with him usually double-crossing the two. A.J. Trauth played Twitty.

Lawrence starred in a grand total of 22 episodes.

He also starred in The Even Stevens Movie before he departed the series in 2003.

Later that year he enjoyed a role in the Steve Martin film Cheaper by the Dozen as well The Cat In The Hat alongside Mike Myers, Dakota Fanning and Kelly Preston.

He went on to land roles in popular television shows such as Married… with Children, The Amanda Show and Sabrina, the Teenage Witch all before the age of 10.

Lawrence also starred in well-known series including Frasier, ER, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and That’s So Raven.

Lawrence appeared in some of the most beloved family TV shows and movies of the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is seen in Even Stevens

The star explained that in the past he has ‘played an elf’ and ‘done a bunch of character roles in my life, so I’m feeling very knowledgeable in the category’

He then appeared in several other movies including Rebound as well as Kicking And Screaming in 2005, Bratz in 2007 and Archie’s Final Project in 2009.

The actor is fairly active on social media and posts regularly on Instagram – where he has nearly 8,000 followers. 

Earlier this year in January, Lawrence claimed he was fired from his job at Universal Studios in retaliation for reporting an alleged pedophile.

He made the allegations in an Instagram post, sharing an image of his work ID and name tag propped against a Super Mario Toad costume.

Lawrence wrote that he waited to post because he was hoping to reach a solution with his former employer.

However, he alleged that his job came to an end after his boss and her H.R. representative allegedly retaliated against him for ‘reporting a suspected pedofile [sic] around children.’

‘While I will truly miss my job I cannot be associated with an organization or people that don’t care about performer or guest safety while numerous people continue to get hurt,’ he wrote.

A spokesperson for Universal denied the allegations, telling Daily Mail, ‘We have investigated and reviewed the concerns brought forward by this former employee and they were found to be inaccurate and without merit.

‘We take all employee concerns seriously and have established processes for raising any concerns without fear of retaliation.’ 

Lawrence ended his post writing, ‘With what I know, I WILL NEVER ALLOW MY KID TO GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD. Be safe everyone.’ 

Earlier this year in January, Lawrence claimed he was fired from his job at Universal Studios in retaliation for reporting an alleged pedophile; seen in 2024 in L.A. 

Lawrence wrote that he waited to post because he was hoping to reach a solution with his former employer

The star did not share any evidence for his claims or explain what he meant.

His former co-star Christy Carlson Romano shared a message of support, writing, ‘Good for you Steven!’ in the comments of his post.

Along with working in the entertainment industry, Lawrence has previously opened up about his addiction to drugs and alcohol. He has been sober since 2019.

The actor also speaks at high schools warning students about the dangers of substance abuse.

A former U.S. attorney is facing charges after allegedly fleeing the scene of a car accident in Houston, according to local authorities.

Jennifer Lowery, who once served as the top federal prosecutor for the Southern District of Texas, has been charged with felony failure to stop and render aid in connection with the incident that occurred on May 14.

Court documents reveal that Gabriel Fonseca, the driver of a Nissan Altima, informed police he was traveling eastbound on Memorial Drive when his vehicle was hit on the driver’s side by a car positioned in the median, as reported by Fox Houston.

Following the collision, Fonseca managed to move his car to a secure spot, but the other driver reportedly left the scene. Fonseca also reported experiencing ringing in his ears, as detailed in the court documents.

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Former U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery was arrested after allegedly striking a vehicle while driving in Houston and leaving the scene. (Houston Police Department; Storyful)

“Last second, didn’t have time to swerve, so I just laid down my horn and [she] smacked me right on the driver’s side,” Fonseca told KTRK. “After that, I just heard a really loud ringing in my ear, and there was dust everywhere.”

He said his car’s airbags deployed, and that he was confused as he tried to get help moments after the impact.

“I remember pulling into the closest parking lot. Somehow, I called 911. I couldn’t open the door, so I crawled out,” he said.

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In addition, Fonseca told police that repairs or a replacement for his car would cost about $35,000, according to court documents, and that he wanted to pursue charges.

“She didn’t even check to see if I was dead,” Fonseca said. “It’s a selfish and cowardly thing to do—to hit someone and run away without even being concerned.”

At the scene, a witness who was walking his dog told police officers that he saw a woman driving a heavily damaged vehicle and watched her park the car a few blocks away. He said he saw a “white, blonde female” in her 30s or 40s that had been driving the sedan involved in the crash.

He said that the vehicle had “substantial front end damage” and was “leaking fluids.” He also told them where the car was parked.

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When police went to where the car was parked, they found a vehicle with “significant” front-end damage and a missing bumper in the driveway of a home. The license plate was allegedly registered to Lowery.

As officers were taking photos of the damaged vehicle, Lowery’s husband came outside and identified himself as an attorney. He also confirmed that his wife had been involved in a crash.

He told officers that he would provide all the necessary information, but would not allow Lowery to provide a statement, authorities said.

The Department of Justice seal is displayed on a lectern ahead of a press conference announcing efforts against computer hacking and extortion in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 28, 2018. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)

In April 2022, Lowery was appointed to serve as the U.S. attorney by district judges after serving in an interim and acting capacity since February 2021. She led the office until her successor took over in December 2022.

“It’s quite ironic,” Fonseca said. “Her career is holding people accountable.”

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