Illinois State Rep. Martin J. McLaughlin criticized how Community High School District 128 handled abuse allegations against a former teacher, saying, “Protect our children while in your care and under your watch.”
The issue has drawn attention to the responsibilities of school districts in responding to allegations of educator misconduct. According to a lawsuit cited by the Lake and McHenry County Scanner, Libertyville High School’s former teacher, Parker Rohde, sexually abused a 15-year-old student with Down syndrome beginning in the fall of 2024. The suit alleges the district knew of prior issues with Rohde, but allowed him to continue teaching.
“This allegation is appalling! Protect our children while in your care and under your watch. It’s about the kids!” Rep. McLaughlin said in an X post.
According to an analysis from the Illinois Policy Institute, Chicago Public Schools recorded 470 sexual allegations from students against employees in 2022. Similar patterns of reported educator misconduct have prompted debate among state lawmakers on how to strengthen employment screening and mandatory reporting requirements for Illinois school districts.
A multistate survey found that 11.7% of high school graduates reported experiencing at least one form of educator sexual misconduct during grades K-12, including sexual comments and inappropriate touching, with most incidents involving school employees. Researchers noted this prevalence has remained largely unchanged over nearly two decades, according to Psychology Today.
McLaughlin is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 52nd District. He was elected in 2020 after serving as Village President of Barrington Hills, according to his official website.
