Thread: Teacher gets 5 years for sex with students

Originally Posted by Jessica80

Hmmmm...when I was in college it wasn't illegal and at my school it wasn't against the rules per se as long as they weren't in an official student/professor relationship but it was frowned upon.

I googled and couldn't find where it states that it's illegal, only frowned upon and discouraged. I can't understand why it's illegal in this case? It's gross of a teacher to do, but if the students were actually 18 and actually consented, then what is the legal issue? Over the next few months they would be maybe college students and could date their teacher and the teacher not be put in jail at least.

What's the difference here legally?

Originally Posted by myyams

I googled and couldn't find where it states that it's illegal, only frowned upon and discouraged. I can't understand why it's illegal in this case? It's gross of a teacher to do, but if the students were actually 18 and actually consented, then what is the legal issue? Over the next few months they would be maybe college students and could date their teacher and the teacher not be put in jail at least.

What's the difference here legally?

It is illegal in Texas.

Teacher-Student Relationships = Felony - Total Criminal Defense

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

It is illegal in Texas.

Teacher-Student Relationships = Felony - Total Criminal Defense

Yes I understand that it is illegal. I want to know why is it illegal compared with it not being illegal for a professor to do the same with his or her barely 18 y/o freshmen?

Originally Posted by myyams

Yes I understand that it is illegal. I want to know why is it illegal compared with it not being illegal for a professor to do the same with his or her barely 18 y/o freshmen?

According to the law that would also be illegal. Thats why I don't understand how it could be fairly prosecuted. What if the college professor is 30 and the student is 28? Could easily happen. I think they just don't prosecute in that case which seems kind of arbitrary.

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

According to the law that would also be illegal. Thats why I don't understand how it could be fairly prosecuted. What if the college professor is 30 and the student is 28? Could easily happen. I think they just don't prosecute in that case which seems kind of arbitrary.

There could be a Masters level professor or maybe even just a BA level in some colleges, could be potentially just as young as 20 with a degree teaching other 18 year olds. Or even say, 25 y/o dating an 18 y/o isn't horribly odd maybe, especially if it's a guy dating a younger girl. So I read that it's only discouraged and not illegal in the case of college etc. I don't get the double standard of college vs high school. High school level seems disgusting. And college level seems just distasteful due to maybe grade influence/favoritism. Since all are adults, I don't get really why the teacher has to go to jail.

Originally Posted by GloriaInTX

According to the law that would also be illegal. Thats why I don't understand how it could be fairly prosecuted. What if the college professor is 30 and the student is 28? Could easily happen. I think they just don't prosecute in that case which seems kind of arbitrary.

For college are you talking about dating your professor, or dating any professor at your college? One of my teachers in college was around 30 and single. A man took her class that was around her age and also single. They did not date while in her class, but once the semester ended they started dating and were married a few months later. I do not see why it would be illegal if she was no longer his teacher?

nm

Has anybody been able to find the actual text or code of this law? I've searched and searched and can't find the exact wording.

Originally Posted by ethanwinfield

Has anybody been able to find the actual text or code of this law? I've searched and searched and can't find the exact wording.

I have not found it yet, but upon review of a few university policies they say for example: UNC says:

Relationships between Students and Faculty Members or Other University Employees | Office of Legal Affairs | UNC Charlotte

It is improper for a faculty member, instructional assistant, or other University employee to participate in the instruction, evaluation, or supervision of a student with whom there is an amorous relationship or familial relationship. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary procedures.

So, I take it that it's unlikely to be illegal for professors to have relationships because the discipline measures 'MAY' result in disciplinary procedures. I assume if it was illegal then the wording would be much different. There are many types of relationships described on the website too.

In other states such as Arkansas, it's not illegal for a High School teacher to have consensual sex with student who are 18 years old.
Law Okays Teacher-Student Relationships in Arkansas | fox4kc.com

then there is this article on pointing out how variable the regulations are:
Lawmakers Move To Bar Teachers From Having Sex With Students - Careers Articles


It just seems so variable. My personal view is that it's creepy and gross but I don't think a teacher should go to jail for consensual sex with a person 18+

No I don't think a teacher should be jailed if student is over 18. I think in the high school setting it is grounds for dismissal though. College just seems different to me. Definitely shouldn't be with a current student.