At the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct & Exploitation (SESAME), we believe that knowledge is power — and healing begins with truth, reform, education, and transparency. Whether you are a survivor, a family member, an educator, or an advocate, we are here to provide information, support, and tools to help prevent sexual misconduct in schools and to empower those impacted by it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, & Exploitation?
The National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, & Exploitation is the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to ending sexual abuse and misconduct by school employees and ensuring accountability, transparency, and justice for survivors.
Formerly known as S.E.S.A.M.E. (Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct & Exploitation), the Center works to prevent harm, support survivors, and drive meaningful policy change at the local, state, and national levels.
What the Center Does:
Advocates for stronger laws and policies to stop “passing the trash” and hold institutions accountable for covering up educator abuse.
Provides survivor-centered resources, including reporting guides, support referrals, and mental health information.
Educates lawmakers, school leaders, parents, and the public about prevention, early intervention, and institutional responsibility.
Partners with journalists, legal experts, and researchers to raise awareness and improve systems of protection.
Maintains a library of tools and trainings for those working to improve student safety, including administrators, Title IX coordinators, and education professionals.
Why the Name Change?
The new name reflects the organization’s expanded role as a national hub for prevention and response, grounded in decades of advocacy and survivor leadership. While S.E.S.A.M.E. remains a core part of its identity and legacy, the National Center signals a broader, systems-focused mission to reform how schools—and the systems around them—prevent, report, and respond to sexual misconduct by school employees.
Bottom line: The National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, & Exploitation is changing the conversation around educator abuse—by lifting survivor voices, exposing institutional failure, and creating real pathways to protect every student, in every school, across the country.
What does “passing the trash” mean?
“Passing the trash” is the term used to describe the practice of allowing school employees who have engaged in sexual misconduct or abuse to resign quietly or leave their jobs without consequences—often with positive references or confidentiality agreements—so they can be hired elsewhere, often at another school.
Rather than being fired or reported to authorities, these individuals are “passed” from one school district or educational setting to another, where they may abuse again.
How does it happen?
A school learns about misconduct but wants to avoid scandal, legal battles, or union disputes.
The educator is allowed to resign or retire instead of facing formal discipline.
The school agrees not to disclose the misconduct to future employers or licensing agencies.
The educator applies for another job—and gets it, often with no warning to the new school.
Why is this so dangerous?
It protects the reputation of the school or district, not the safety of students.
It allows abusers to repeat their behavior in new environments, often for years.
It silences survivors and sends a message that misconduct will be tolerated or covered up.
Is it legal?
In many states, this practice has only recently been addressed through legislation known as “SESAME Acts” or similar bills. These laws are designed to:
Prohibit confidentiality agreements that conceal educator misconduct.
Mandate reporting of substantiated misconduct to licensing agencies and future employers.
Require verification of employment history during the hiring process.
However, enforcement varies—and in states without strong laws, “passing the trash” still happens.
Bottom line: “Passing the trash” is a systemic failure that prioritizes institutional reputation over student safety. Ending this practice is one of the core goals of the National Center for School Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response and survivor-led advocates across the country.
How long has The National Center been in operation?
The organization—originally founded as S.E.S.A.M.E. (Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct & Exploitation)—has been actively working since 1991. Its establishment was a response to parents and survivors seeking support and advocacy after suffering abuse by school employees.
Over the years, the organization has evolved from a grassroots support group into a nationally leading nonprofit. In its new identity as the National Center to Stop Educator Sexual Abuse, Misconduct, & Exploitation, it continues its mission—now with broader influence, updated advocacy tools, and a renewed impact across schools and state systems.
For more information, visit our About Us page.
Bottom line: This isn't a new initiative—it’s a matured, survivor-founded leader with more than three decades of experience in preventing educator abuse, supporting survivors, and holding institutions accountable.
Who leads the National Center for School Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response?
Our volunteer leadership (Board of Directors and Board of Advisors) includes survivors, advocates, legal experts, educators, and trauma-informed professionals who bring lived experience and expertise to all aspects of our work. You can read more about them in our "About" section.
While we do not have an executive director, our strategic direction is anchored in survivor experiences and evidenced-based policy leadership—ensuring that advocacy, reform, and institutional change are grounded in real world needs and data.
If you are interested in volunteering for The National Center, click on "Contact Us" and let us know your areas of interest and expertise.