Many believe that most abuse never gets reported, so the actual numbers could be even worse. And when kids do come forward, teachers often use their authority to deny claims. Sometimes nothing happens, or the teacher gets moved to another school--not exactly a comforting solution for parents of public school children. Some teachers remain in the classroom for years, even after multiple reports across multiple years of sexual misconduct.

Parents whose children have endured such traumatic experiences have few choices available. Even if they successfully challenge and remove the responsible teacher, the process could take months. Meanwhile, their children remain in the unsafe environment where the abuse occurred.

School choice would give parents an important weapon to protect their children. It would also make schools and teachers more accountable for such reprehensible actions. Students and parents should have a choice to remove their child from a school that does not ensure a safe learning environment.