The Seattle Times Editorial Board has raised concerns about Washington state's reporting laws, which allow sexual misconduct allegations against teachers to remain largely unreported until thorough investigations are completed. According to the board, this system may inadvertently protect educators accused of misconduct at the potential expense of child safety. Superintendents in the state are only required to report these allegations to the state after they have investigated or terminated the teacher, thus delaying transparency and accountability.

An investigation by Investigate West highlighted that a significant number of teachers, approximately 45% since 2015, have opted to voluntarily surrender their licenses, thereby evading public scrutiny and keeping their disciplinary records concealed. This practice raises alarms about the accountability mechanisms in place regarding educator behavior, as those who leave the profession can do so without facing the consequences of their actions. The Seattle Times argues that this gap in the law undermines efforts to ensure a safe educational environment for children.

The editorial emphasizes the need for reform in Washington state's reporting laws to enhance child safety by ensuring that misconduct allegations are accessible to the public, thus holding educators accountable for their actions. The call for increased transparency reflects a growing concern over how institutions prioritize educator interests over the well-being of students, urging legislative action to amend existing policies and protect children from potential harm.