Podcast Summary:

The Dr. Laura Podcast
Episode: Things That Have to Do With Kids That I Bring to Your Attention
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Platform: SiriusXM / DrLaura.com

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Laura puts the spotlight on pressing kid-related issues, especially focusing on child safety in schools. Drawing from current events and listener interactions, she discusses the alarming problem of how allegations against teachers for sexual misconduct are handled in the State of Washington. Dr. Laura emphasizes her renewed commitment to highlighting situations where children are inadequately protected and invites listeners to contribute reports from their communities.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Alarming Loopholes in Reporting Teacher Misconduct

[00:54 – 05:37]

• Dr. Laura references a Seattle Times Editorial Board piece warning that Washington State “prioritizes accused teachers of sexual misconduct” over child safety.
• She summarizes that school district superintendents aren’t required to report sexual misconduct allegations to the state until a “thorough investigation or a decision is there to fire the teacher.”
• Many superintendents might seek guidance sooner, but there’s no formal requirement to report at the initial allegation stage.
• Teachers can circumvent scrutiny simply by resigning and voluntarily surrendering their licenses before an investigation concludes.
• About "half of them are doing that just to avoid, quote, being caught" ([05:37]).

Dr. Laura’s Take:
She calls this a dangerous loophole and highlights how children’s safety is being compromised in favor of protecting adults' reputations and careers. Dr. Laura expresses incredulity and frustration at the system:

“Gotta love this. That’s one of many.” ([05:37], Dr. Laura)
She underscores her ongoing commitment to spotlighting such issues and demands more transparency and accountability from school districts and lawmakers.

2. Call for Listener Participation

[05:37]

• Dr. Laura encourages listeners to email her about similar situations in their own towns or states where children’s safety is overlooked in institutional practices.
• She provides her contact and asks the audience to bring any such cases to her attention so she can use her platform to publicize them.

Quote:

“You folks can email me... situations in your cities, towns, and states that indicate a lack of protection for children. Please… send me the information. I’ll report it here.” ([05:37], Dr. Laura)

3. Dr. Laura’s Renewed Focus on Children’s Welfare

[00:54 – 05:37]

• She restates her dedication to prioritizing stories with implications for kids, both through regular episodes and special reports.
• Dr. Laura expresses determination to make a bigger commitment to reporting and discussing these stories as a means of advocacy and public service.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Washington’s reporting laws loophole:

  “Educators can avoid any scrutiny by voluntarily surrendering their licenses and resigning. That’s it.” ([00:54], Dr. Laura)

• On the prevalence of teacher evasions:

  “Evidently about half of them are doing that just to avoid, quote, being caught. Gotta love this.” ([05:37], Dr. Laura)

• Listener engagement:

  “Please Dr. Laura rlaura.com, send me the information. I’ll report it here.” ([05:37], Dr. Laura)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:54] – Dr. Laura introduces the Seattle Times Editorial Board warning about teacher misconduct reporting gaps.
• [05:37] – Dr. Laura calls for audience submissions of local issues involving child protection gaps.

Tone & Style

• Dr. Laura’s delivery throughout this segment is emphatic, urgent, and somewhat incredulous at the state of child protection laws. Her tone is direct, proactive, and rallying, frequently appealing to the audience’s sense of responsibility and action.

Takeaway

This episode is a clear call to action, alerting listeners to systemic failures in protecting children within schools and urging collective vigilance and advocacy. Dr. Laura positions her platform as a watchdog and information hub for listeners concerned about children's welfare across the country.