New Government Watchdog Report on Sexual Misconduct in JROTC Programs

New Government Watchdog Report on Sexual Misconduct in JROTC Programs

WASHINGTON - Today, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that assessed how schools prevent and respond to sexual misconduct within the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program. The report also looked at how the Department of Education (ED) and the Department of Defense (DOD) address sexual misconduct in JROTC programs.

The report was requested by Ranking Member Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (VA-03), House Committee on Education and Workforce and Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), House Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. The lawmakers requested the report following a 2022 New York Times investigative report into 33 JROTC instructors charged with sexual misconduct.

According to the GAO, an estimated range of two to seven percent of public high schools with JROTC programs had at least one JROTC instructor who was the subject of an adult sexual misconduct allegation within five years. Additionally, about 89 percent of JROTC host schools require staff be trained on sexual misconduct, and about 45 percent of schools require this training for students.

"Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs help high school students develop leadership skills and encourage them to pursue a career in the military. Students cannot thrive in these programs if they fear for their safety. Harassment undermines trust, drives students-especially young women-out of the program, and violates the very values of respect and integrity JROTC is meant to instill. While I am encouraged that this Government Accountability Office report indicates that only a few JROTC sexual misconduct claims have been substantiated, there is no acceptable level of sexual misconduct. While I am encouraged that this Government Accountability Office report indicates that only a few JROTC sexual misconduct claims have been substantiated, there is no acceptable level of sexual misconduct. Furthermore, a review of the complaints needs to take place in light of the report that the vast majority are considered unfounded; it is hard to imagine that 93% of the complaints are without merit," said Ranking Member Scott. "I remain concerned that the current protections indicated in the report are simply inadequate and should be improved to protect students from sexual misconduct. It is even more concerning that, despite these findings, Education Secretary McMahon fired more than half the staff at the Office for Civil Rights, the very office charged with investigating students' claims of harassment and discrimination. Safeguarding students isn't optional- it's essential to the mission and credibility of both JROTC and our public school system."

"It is deeply disturbing that students participating in JROTC programs have been subjected to sexual misconduct from adults who should be serving as their mentors," said Ranking Member Bonamici. "We have a responsibility to keep these students safe. It is essential for us to examine how these cases are handled and identify ways to prevent further sexual misconduct."

To read the full report entitled, "K-12 Education: Prevention and Response to Adult Sexual Misconduct in junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Programs" click here.

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