Educator Sexual Misconduct: An Examination of Sanction Disparities Among Texas Female and Male Educators

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

While educator sexual misconduct (ESM) has garnered much attention in the media, only a few research studies have been conducted on this topic. Moreover, these studies have focused almost exclusively on male offenders. The exclusion of female offenders from these samples makes it difficult to assess whether sex differences exist among those accused of ESM, especially in regards to the sanctions they receive for their misconduct. To fill this gap in the literature, the current study analyzes the offender characteristics and sanction outcomes of 476 cases of ESM closed by the Texas Education Agency in 2019. Findings indicate that female and male educators significantly differ in age, employment length, and salary, but there is no significant difference in sanctioning outcomes between the two sexes. The results from this exploratory study hope to contribute to the evidence-base on ESM as well as to help inform and guide school officials on their sanctioning practices.

Author

• Alvi Ali, Texas State University