Teacher-Sex Case

In response to: Court: Student's Age Not a Factor in Teacher-Sex Cases By The Associated Press

The teacher in this article is being charged with having sexual intercourse with a student however the ruling deals more with the fact of the student’s age rather than with the fact of the sex. The student is an 18 years old high school girl so the teacher feels that her case holds no weight and he doesn’t understand why the Supreme Court voted against him.

My understanding of the law and ethics is that teachers should not have sexual relationships with students… period. Age should not have anything to do with it; even on a collegiate level teachers shouldn’t be involved with students.

I don’t understand why sexual relationships between teachers and students seems to be such an epidemic. “In their 2002 survey, the American Association of University Women reported that, of students who had been harassed, 38% were harassed by teachers or other school employees. One survey, conducted with psychology students, reports that 10% had sexual interactions with their educators; in turn, 13% of educators reported sexual interaction with their students. (Wikipedia, 2010)

It is our job, as educator to teach, protect, and look out for their best interest of our students. When sexual relationships become a factor it blurs the lines and students (especially teenagers) may have a problem differentiating professional from personal feelings and emotions. It’s illegal and unethical and I agree with the decision of the Supreme Court; despite the age of a student having sexual relationships with students is wrong and should be done about it.

Reference
Sexual harassment in education. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_harassment_in_education#Sexual_harassment_and_abuse_of_students_by_teachers. Wikipedia. Retrieved 11.20.10