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Debbie Noda / Zuma Press
Enochs High School student Jordan Powers, 18, and James Hooker, 41, a teacher who resigned from the school talk about their relationship on Feb. 28.
A California lawmaker wants to make it a crime for a teacher to have a romance with a student, even the pupil is over 18.
Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, a Republican from Modesto, introduced on Tuesday Assembly Bill 1861, which would make it a felony for a teacher to have an inappropriate relationship with a student. Additionally, the bill seeks to strip teachers of their pensions, if convicted of a work-related felony.
The bill is a response to the case of Modesto high school teacher James Hooker, 41, who resigned from his teaching position in February over his relationship with student Jordan Powers, now 18.
Hooker and Powers have defended their relationship, appearing on national talk shows to claim their romance did not turn sexual until Powers was of age. Hooker met Powers during her freshman year at Enochs High School. They now live together.
"It is an outrage that a high school teacher would engage in a romantic relationship with a student," said Olsen in a statement. "We need to do everything we can to deter this behavior, and to ensure schools are a safe and secure learning environment for our children."
The bill follows the lead of 23 other states by making it a felony for such relationships, according to Olsen's office.
Attempts by msnbc.com to contact Olsen for comment were unsuccessful on Tuesday.
Currently in California, a teacher can only be charged with a felony for engaging in a relationship with a student who is under 18 years old. Bill 1861 applies to elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
The student's mother, Tammie Powers, said she supported the bill and wanted to see similar legislation passed in every state. She appeared with Olsen in Sacramento during a press conference to announce the bill.
"As parents, we send our children to school with the expectation that they're going to be safe, they're going to receive a good education," Powers told The Sacramento Bee. "Not that they're going to be pursued."
The bill would not affect her daughter’s case, she said, which is still under investigation by the Modesto police.
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18 is a legally an adult..
I have mixed feelings about this. Technically you are right, 18 is an adult. The problem is that these sicko teachers often start the relationships much earlier, well before the student is 18, and it turns sexual after they hit 18. I think as a minimum, the teacher should lose their job and their pension. Regardless of the student's age, for a teacher to have a relationship with a student is highly inappropriate and a serious breach of professional ethics. The idea that the teacher can commit such a major professional ethical breach and walk away with their pension intact is absurd. Even at the university level, most schools have policies against a professor (teacher) becoming involved with a student. This is because of the degree of influence a teacher has over a student, both psychologically and materially. A teacher being involved with a student leads to questions about grades and many other factors. Even if the student is not in the particular teachers class, the teacher still has the ability to influence other teachers. In addition, not making this conduct illegal only makes it that much easier for teachers to target young students for inappropriate relationships. High school kids are not mature adults and are easily taken in by one of these predators. The influencing can start much earlier when the student is younger and far more vulnerable so that by the time the student is 18 they are so brainwashed that they are not really the ones in control over the decisions they are making. Regardless of whether this student is 18 or not the relationship is highly inappropriate and, regardless of what is being claimed in this case, likely started well before this student turned 18. Whether they were having sex or not prior to her turning 18, the relationship was obviously far more than an appropriate student-teacher relationship and sexual in nature long before she hit 18.
It's legal but it's highly unethical for a person in a position of power or privilege to start an intimate relationship like that. Most professional organizations forbid it; for example, a psychologist or therapist cannot date a patient without losing their license. The relationship is not illegal but it's still unethical.
It's amazing to me; in my lifetime we went from a society that saw older man/teenage woman relationships as "normal", healthy and agreeable to both parties to a society that sees any relationship were there is a five year difference as "sick", perverted, and abusive to women!
Tell me what do you call an old man that marries a teenager?... A pervert.... What do you call an old woman who marries a teenaged man?....Smart!
I have a question for all you Republicans, since when did you want the government to dictate every facet of your life, including who you can marry?? The last person/government to do that was Hitler and the Nazi party.
That makes some pretty unfounded assumptions there, JS.
Yes, 18 is legal. It's an adult age. There should be no crime associated with having a relationship with an 18-year-old.
This doesn't mean a person can't be fired. It is fine for a university or college or high school or any other institution to ban teacher/student relationships and make a person who violated the ban subject to immediate termination. I don't even have a problem with that being associated with losing a pension.
But, I am tired of everything that people think is "immoral" being made a crime. A crime is something that must be punished--which costs us a lot of money to adjudicate--and which often results in our having to support someone in prison. No, this should not be a crime.
A reason for termination, a reason for loss of credentials, a reason for a civil lawsuit--sure. A crime, no.
How absolutely lovely ironic, that CA who thinks themselves (and only think themselves) so progressive feels the need to regulate love.............These are the same jokes all Californians have been making about the Mid-West for decades, yet look at them now, the beacon of hypocrisy and pathetic in our country.....
STUPID REPUBLICANS they don't want the government to step in with new laws or have government get bigger and the first thing they want to do is bring out a bill (bigger government) to stop something that's LEGAL. Time to wake up it's OK if a Republican does it (HYPOCRITES)
I think this should be left up to the school boards. It is unethical but on the other hand, it should not be considered a sex crime as both are consenting adults. The parents may not like this and neither would I myself but then again, I can think of several scenarios where I would not give my children my blessing but it's their lives and their decisions to make as adults. The school boards should hold their teachers accountable to uphold their ethicical standards and remove them when they breach them.
I really think that "it depends"... If there is evidence that the relationship started earlier than age 18 -- then I would agree that there is -- likely -- a breach of ethics leading to termination and [possibly] loss of a teaching license. I do NOT think that it should be criminal, though. After all, what happens if a person under 18 met an "older adult" in some social setting and said adult did not do anything "physically intimate" (or even make such suggestions) until this young person was 18... Would you criminally prosecute said older adult in such a case? If yes, why? If no, then why should it be different here. Yes -- there is a breach of ethics; yes -- a basis for revocation of license... but NO -- not a criminal act.
On the other hand, if there is NO evidence that the teacher ever had any relationship until after this person turned 18 (and may have even graduated from H.S.) then I do not believe that ANYTHING inappropriate took place and the burden of proof would be to show that SOMETHING happened earlier... Otherwise, you will be in the position that an older man can never marry a younger woman IF at some point in the past, there was a student teacher relationship -- even if that relationship is long over! That just seems idiotic.
It seems to me that what we want to do is ensure that the teaching relationship is not abused. If that relationship is abused or perverted, then the teacher should be disciplined since there has been a breach of professional ethics. However, even in that case, there should not be any criminal sanctions. And, where the teaching relationship has NOT been abused - then we should treat the two people as adults -- which is what they are -- and just leave them alone!
Hugh....notice that it is a Republican that introduced the bill. Not all Californians are progressive.
Bean, I agree with you completely. Loss of job, loss of teaching credentials, and even loss of any pension. Making what is a case of bad judgement and unethical behavior into a felony is going a bit too far.
Now if it can be proven that the teacher spent time grooming their student prior to them turning 18, that is a whole new ballgame. Throw the book at them.
Amazing, why is that just because Olsen is a Republican that you have to jump all over the Republicans? Perhaps it is just the fact that she is morally outraged by this fact and viewing it as possiblly an angry parent. The girls mother is up there as well. Do you ALL have the facts, how do you know this guy didn't start something with this girl before she turned 18? Tell me, if it had been a Democrat who had initiated the bill, would you all be saying the same thing or standing up and cheering the bill on? I'm very sure you would be praising the Dem then, for standing up and protecting children.
Only in California....doesn't matter who submitted the legislation.
Yep.....San Francisco is a Sanctuary City (against Federal laws), LAPD will not enforce California Laws (against State Laws), and Mrs. Pelosi wants Federal dollars to study bumble bee mating practices (against Nature Laws).
And now California is going to control their adult professional population (or are they adults ?). Maybe they should go after the Professor(s) who wants to incite a revolution.
Gotta love the Progressive State.
If he did, that's already illegal, and no further bills are necessary.
If he didn't, it's no one's business but theirs. Isn't that the conservative position; as little government as possible, and leave people alone to make their own choices?
Don't bash progressives, but I do agree about california, I was charged with being a pimp in california (seriously) was the most ridiculous thing to ever happen in my entire life. Can you imagine what it would be like to have an arrest record saying you were pimping when you were innocent. I hate california.
The way I see it, "inappropriate" and "should be illegal" are totally different things. I don't think it's appropriate for a teacher to get with a student, but I don't think there should be a law against it unless the student is getting preferential treatment of some sort (e.g. better grades).
How about this? Let those of a legal age have relationships, friendships, sexual, or marriage, with whomever they choose, and everyone else stay the hell out of their way, and keep their noses out of it.
luis , obama isn't done yet.
I agree with those saying that it's a violation of professional ethics and should lead to termination, loss of credentials, and possible loss of pension. That in and of itself seems like enough of a threat to make a teacher think twice. Making it a felony is taking it too far. If there is sexual contact between a teacher and a student while he/she is under 18 it's already a crime. Its still an abuse of power and highly unethical if the student is of age but stripping said teacher of a career and pension seems like adequate punishment. The 18 year old does bear some responsibility. After all, eighteen is seen as old enough to enlist in the military and be held responsible for one owns actions. If an 18 year old commits a crime he/she is tried as an adult and sent to adult prison. People have to be given control of their own lives at some point.
" how do you know this guy didn't start something with this girl before she turned 18? "
It said in that news article about them when it first came to light, he met her when she was in the 9th grade, and if you read VERY carefully it says they didn't come to light with their relationship until after she turned 18, nor did they get romantic or whatever you want to name it. They had a relationship well before she was 18.
I am against teacher student relations to an extent, dating your teacher even at 18 if you are still in school is wrong because they are their to guide and teach these kids, most parents don't send their kids to school expecting their daughters or sons to get into a relationship with their teacher. Now if they have graduated and get into a relationship with a former teacher then that's totally different. You can't stop that. However like I said I am against Current student teacher relations.
There were a couple teachers I remember from school... boy they sure were pretty! lol. But even I new if I was lucky enough to spark something that it would end up with us both in deep @!$%#. There was nobody lol just "Day Dreams" but you get my drift. It's wrong when they are current students. After they graduate who gives a damn.
seems to me that the law makers down in your country dont have much to do except sit and dream up stupid laws same as ours north of 60
if at 18 most people are educated enough to make up their own mind
@ Louis M,
"I have a question for all you Republicans, since when did you want the government to dictate every facet of your life, including who you can marry?? The last person/government to do that was Hitler and the Nazi party."
But is it okay to legislate health care to people who care about the quality and availability of care and strip them of any meaningful choice like whether to buy or not...what a hypocrite.
Democrats have no comprehension!
Great writing on this article:
Tell me, does that last phrase make sense? Give me a break! So hooker -- fitting name by the way -- left his spouse to get with an 18 year old? What else do they have in common besides sex? After they've gotten bored with each other, what does she really have left? Is she stupid enough to think he left his commitment to his wife and children to start a new one with her? In addition to being delusional, stupid, and crazy, she must also have "daddy" issues. It's not going to last. I hope he likes eating bread and water though, after his wife finishes taking him to court.
trophy ...lol...
comprehension is reading and understanding what you read. The mandate that says everyone pays for insurance if they are able and can afford it is the very part the republicans had admitted into the healthcare bill and the public options taken out. Is that the part you had trouble comprehending? And exactly what part of teacher student relationships did you comprehend the healthcare bill as pertaining to?
"Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, a Republican from Modesto, introduced on Tuesday Assembly Bill 1861"
Reading comprehension is not your forte. But I'm sure you'd just try and dismiss her as a RINO.
Well, I'd say the meaning is discernible, if very clumsily expressed.
Unfortunately, MSNBC.COM does not appear to hire, or use proof-readers.
As to the deeper issue, I'm not sure a law against legal adults dating whomever they wish to is a good idea. But, there is a moral issue with a teacher taking up with a person over whom he (or she) has authority.
The student-teacher romance featured in the article, feels creepy. But is it illegal?
What if a teacher and student are genuinely in love? There are many cases of teachers going to prison only to marry the student they abused after their release. What is the litmus test for real love?
The operational term is "moral terpitude." NO teacher should EVER become involved with a student. It is very unprofessional. At the very least, teachers who become involved with a student at the institution where they teach shoould have thier teaching certificate revoked. They have proven themselves incapable of maintaining the teacher-student relationship. It is never a good thing to become romantically involved with a colleague let alone someone over whom one has authority. It is commonly accepted practice that workplace involvements are unprofessional. How much more is the relationship between teachers and students.
Isn't it already a felony for a teacher to "engage in an inappropriate relationship" with a student? So the only thing this law will change is the age? Hmm, I originally voted "Yes" but now am not so sure - however, in THIS case it's clear the "relationship" began when she was what, 15? We only have their word that they didn't have sex until she turned 18, and of course they wouldn't admit to having sex BEFORE then if he's currently under investigation. Personally, I don't believe them. I work at a University, and a teacher was fired here for having an "inappropriate relationship" with an 18-year-old. You've got the argument that someone of higher authority and/or influence can take advantage of someone so young, even if she's technically legal age, so I can see both sides of this argument...I dunno if this is a good idea or not.
Of course, leave it to NewsVine to turn this into another absurd "Republican/Democrat" feud, which this has NOTHING to do with!
Not sure how the lawmaker thinks he can make it illegal for someone 18 or older to have a relationship with someone who is in the profession of teaching and is their teacher. Also seems like making this a crime would just make people want to do it all the more. You know....forbidden fruit.
I swear California my state has it's head up it's ass
Hey dimwit if the person is 18 then they are adult.
This will never fly but it is California we have a ton stupid laws that violate our rights.
I don't think it really matters. It's inappropriate to have a relationship with people you have authority over and can easily lead to an abuse of authority, since every decision they make regarding that student will need to be heavily scrutinized. That said, I don't think we need any more laws for it; let the schools take care of punishment.
MANY years ago when I was in high school we had a 23 YO STUDENT married a 21 YO (student) TEACHER. That COUNT, TOO? (and he wasn't unintelligent, just had family issues and the military that kept him from going to school)
Eighteen is legally an adult--
Not in Japan.
Continuation:
Last time I checked California is not part of Japan. Whatever happens under Japanese law has no bearing here. As long as the student is of legal consensual age there is no legal issue here in the United States. If two consenting adults want to have a relationship that it not any business of yours, or mine, or state or federal government.
Doesn't matter if he claims to have waited until her 18th birthday to engage in sexual acts with her (which I don't believe for one second), he started grooming her for this relationship when she was still in 9th grade. Legal age or not, being 18 doesn't confer onto you an adult's life experience and knowledge. Even college age students are still immature and naive in the ways of the world, and for this douchebag to prey on an underage girl, setting her up for a lifetime of broken relationships, trust issues and a dysfunctional family is just shameful. So much growing up is done in the years between 14-25, they are like dog years. This poor girl's entire world view has now been permanently skewed. It will be a miracle if she ever lives up to her true potential
In Hawaii 16 is legal age. But that's still not what bothers me. I am a liberal. I don't see the age thing as the problem but the position. I find it un-professional. If she graduated, then I would have felt differently, but the teacher does have some authority over her as long as she is in the same school. I don't care if she is 28, I believe you should not be dating a teacher when you have classes with them or are currently in the same school.
see 1.34 - MALE (older STUDENT with younger teacher) How about that one?
@canary
Still problematic as long as they are still in the same school.
Mr. Hooker's got that smug, "She's legal and you can't do a thing about it!" look on him.
Bet he was foaming at the mouth waiting for her 18th birthday...I'll be curious to see how they're doing
five years down the road...if she's still alive.
How do you jump from a May-December relationship to assuming he'll rape and murder her in the next 5 years? (Yes, I know you didn't specifically say "rape," but so many times when women are murdered it's a rape-murder.) Creepy and unethical, yes, and I know you can't always tell from appearance, but he doesn't seem like a rapist-murderer to me.
Are you jealous?
My guess is that he didn't wait until she was eighteen, especially if they met when she was a freshman and he thought he could make that go somewhere. I mean, really? What does a grown @$$ man have in common with a dumb teenage girl, other than "going" to the same school? So creepy. I've said it before, and I'll say it again; pervert and skank.
Many young girls like older men but as they get older say about 25 years old they will realise that any older man who goes after young girls is a pervert who can't impress anyone but children.
I get pissed off every time I see that smug look on that pervert's face and the vacuous "I'm SOOOOOO in love" look on the girl. If I was the girl's father, this guy would never...you know how the rest of it goes. I don't want to get myself banned for making threats.
@tim
Hell yeah, she is 5 years younger than me (Which I think is too young for me) and she is going out with that old man who is pretty much twice my age? If things keep going like this, only women available for me would be 10 year olds. All joking aside she is still 18 years old and I would go as far as to say she does not know enough about relationships to pursue this advanced one.
Only in the land of Freaks.
No, it wasn't texass.
dave-sunny suck. cal , you are correct it wasn't in texass. It was in your state of californication (land of freaks)
'land of freaks'....to me, Jim, you are a freak. You are from a state of ignorant, hateful, twisted mockeries of what it means to be human. I think the way Texans value violence and the use of force is freakish. I think trying to intimidate others and engage in gross over-compensation is disgusting. I think their dick swinging, patriarchal, barbeque eating and queer beating mentality is truly freakish.
Do you see what I just did there? I just stereotyped Texas, and you are a Texan right? Did that feel very good?
Little jimmy, your funny. We should give texass back to mexico.
it's only "californication" when they go to other states... (and DAVE - I really like California)
Just watch...the California Teacher's Unions will guarantee that this proposed law never sees the light of day...they will however be asking for more tax money this coming November!
Duh, teachers cost money, we like them here.
@ dave-sunny slo,cal,
Not as much as the teachers like students evidently!
What about a former student meeting after he/she graduates? One might say the teacher was seeing the student before he/she graduated.
A few things.
1. As already stated, 18 is legally an adult. Some of you may disagree, but that still carries a lot of weight.
2. Would this bill apply only two teachers/students in the same building and/or district? As I see it, so long as the relationship does not interfere with either the student or teacher's daily curriculum, then I see no problem. If the student was part of the teacher's class on a daily basis, then there is a conflict of interest and should be dealt with.
Outside of those two scenarios, I really do not see where there is anything to legitimately get upset about.
Amen! I'm proud to bump you to green star status for such a reasonable comment!
Ehhh, I kind of agree, but, just like in a professional job, the boss is NOT suppose to date or have a relationship with a subordinate. Conflict of interests, favortism, and god knows what else could happen, so I could see a problem here. Just an observation.
I agree with what many have been saying. Grounds for dismissal, but it should be far from a felony. Felonies are something that we should not take lightly, and yet, we are adding more and more laws to the books that carry that status.
It will never be a felony. Note to self? "Do not vote for Kristin Olson"or anyone that backs this".
While I need to think about the 'teacher-student' part of this bill, I strongly agree that any retired government employee (teacher or any other) lose their pension if they are convicted of any felony.
I am a retired Naval Officer, and I would immediately lose my pension if I am convicted of ANY felony. The government should never be in the business of paying the retirement of a convicted felon. EVER.
This is no different then if it had happened in college. In many universities, teacher-student relationships are frowned upon. Especially if one of those students happened to be your pupil at the time. The trouble is we are dealing with high school students vs. college students. In college, most children are already of age by the time they meet their professors, so any "guiding" on the part of the professor is non-existent.
This teacher could be labeled a sexual predator, by other standards.
Only if she is a red head, has huge breasts and is sexual cougar. Then all lights are green.
Are you talking about Jessica Rabbit?
Again we have another woman that want laws to prevent Men from having Sex, even at the legal age, just like the woman in oiho, who want a bill pass saying that Sex should only be used to procur children and not for recreation. So think about this Men don't pass any laws were it has to do about Sex, it may effect you down the road.
The woman in Ohio--if it is Ohio--wrote her law as a joke. There are many males passing laws which essentially say that if a woman doesn't want to become pregnant, she should just not have sex. Thus, she does not need contraception and she does not need abortion access.
The reverse of this is that males also should not be getting vasectomies without the permission of their wives (and invasive, expensive, unnecessary procedures), and that sex should only be to produce children and not for recreation. This is, by the way, the position of the Catholic church which recently has been writing laws that conservatives have been passing. The given woman was just writing a law that openly affected men as well as women (or only men, if we are talking about the vasectomy-restriction law).
It's funny how laws that restrict women's ability to have recreational sex are thought of as sensible and moral, but laws that restrict men's ability to have recreational sex is something worrisome. Unless men are having sex with other men--I think a law that restricts women also restricts men, right?
Your right, And if these people have their way the government is going to now legislate our sex lives even if they are adults.
Am I the only one who is worried about the professionalism of the teacher?
As a former college teacher, I had my own set of rules. I refused all socializing, with any students, until they had finished my class. Sure, after completing my course, some of thee students were invited to a party or two at my home. The university had no policy on "fraternization" with the students, except a clause about "perceived" conflict of interest.
Only in California and only by some Republican with time on her hands. Lady, puberty is when girls get a sexual desire. Some control it out of fear. Most lie to their mothers and enjoy what nature gave them to enjoy.
This teacher didn't pursue her. She was never not "safe". Whatever they feel for each other is just that, what they feel for each other. Stupid are the laws that go against natural instincts. Go create some jobs, lady. Get some clean water in the Central Valley. Do something useful for your constituents.
remember in califorkup their republicans arn't much better than their democrats.don't put all republicans under that nuts banner.i agree with a lot of you that this is a bunch of crap.doen't matter if your talking about the left or the right,lawmakers don't know how to act.they just react,and every time they do that they just show more and more how stupid they can be.
as far as the teacher and the girl,maybe something did happen before she turned 18,maybe not.we were not there to see.he quit a job that if I remember right he had "tenure" in.that's no little thing.as far as 5 years down the road,,,hell I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow.
I wouldn't want my daughter to date this old man when she is still in Highschool.
She may be 18, and legal, but she is still a high school student. So, I can understand the wording of this BIll. I hope it passes.
Less government, right?
What's next? You can only have sex for procreation reason. Oh, been tried with that in Ohio, but failed.
Who cares if she was still a high school student. Graduation from high school is not what determines whether a person is an adult or not.
I wonder how many men would still think this was ok if that 18 year old girl was THEIR daughter?
My eighteen year old daughter has a right to love and marry who ever she chooses, and I will kick ass anyone who would try to deny her her personal rights.
God help anyone who tries to force her to do what she doesn't want!
Not a man, but doesn't bother me. An 18-year-old can do as she pleases. I think the relationship is unwise, and I think that the relationship isn't healthy for the young lady. But, it's legal, and she has a right to make her own mistakes.
Define "okay." I don't think this is a sensible relationship, but I think that once a young lady reaches 18, her parents don't have any say-so in what she does. Some parents haven't quite adjusted to that yet, but it is still the case.
That is the beauty of being an adult, it doesn't matter of daddy thinks it is ok or not.
As long as she is 18 there is no issue and the lawmaker will fail as this is not constitutional for our State of California. She can do what she wants and I probably agree with her but this is outside the bounds of legislation. This would require a amendment to the constitution.
...if any person can truthfully admit that at age 18 vs 40+ they're as worldly & as wise/experienced with life at the younger age vs the older; then I say you must live in a cave and never went out of it....that 40+ year old man would not appeal to any young lady with a 'normal' sense...unless she was carefully 'groomed' by that same old man....many kids at that age would enjoy the personal attention of an older person...particularly when it involves sex...and I would be willing to bet a fortune that's exactly what happened with this kid and old man...it's beyond sick and depraved...it's taking advantage of a vulnerable indivdual as it's so evident with his brainwashed 'love' and her refusal to accept the idiocy of her behaviour with this putz...nothing about this so-called 'man' comes close to really being one...he's simply a friggin cowardly POS who couldn't otherwise get a date or a woman close to his own age as he's so socially messed up to begin with...way beyond narcissism...I woulda had friends talk with him very quickly; after learning of thisw relationship, and only one time to encourage him to not do what he's done...ruined some kid's life at being able to live and grow into a person who is proud to be who she has grown to be and proud of her accomplishments achieved all on her own....she can still do so...but; her life is permanently changed by this friggin pervert with his BS...sick and then some...
maybe the teacher was the one minding HIS own business and the 18 year old was the pervert?YOU and I don't know
That law would be challenged and defeated in any court worthy of the name. Even if that ridiculous woman succeeds in passing it.
18 and we can send them off to kill people in Afghanistan but having sex with one of your teachers, that's a no no?
Really? I get we want to 'protect the children' but 18 is not a child anymore. If someone is old enough to vote, they can decide who they want to be with. Done.
and they should be able to go out and have a drink to celebrate.you can vote,you can go to war,but you can't buy a beer and you can't buy a handgun.now they want to say your not smart emough to makeup your own mind who you want to spend time(or night)with.
If you can't trust an adult to make their own decisions, then we can't expect people to be responsible for their own actions.
It might be unethical. The legislative and legal system has no right whatsoever though to make it illegal. Our satanically evil government is using this law as a doorway to give itself the right to decide what kind of relationship is acceptable between consenting adults. If such a legal course of action is adopted and accepted, it will become a precedent in law that will allow our evil government to prosecute any adults who engage in a relationship our evil government does not approve of. If both parties are past the age of consent then it's no one's business. Especially not the business of our fascist degenerate state and federal governments. Our government has murdered more people than god. and enslaved multitudes more. Only a total degenerate would support giving such a government the right to decide what is acceptable in the form of relationships amongst consenting adults. So your kid was dumb enough to engage in a relationship with a teacher. If your kid was of age, then tough @!$%#. Take the matter up with your dumb kid who probably was looking for unfair advantages over other students by taking part in such a relationship anyway, which means you did a poor job raising them and giving them moral instruction. It may well be a matter for the school to decide about. It is not a matter for the criminal courts. Such a law is clearly unconstitutional by the way, so those supporting it are guilty of capital treason in my book.
The only problem I see with these romances is that one member is in a position of authority. Even if it is fully consensual, even if both parties legitimately want it, it is still inappropriate for someone in a position of authority to pursue this sort of relationship.
If the teacher has no authority anymore over a person because the person they are dating is 18 or older and graduated from the school they are taught in... What's the point ?
and graduated from the school they are taught in... What's the point ?
The fact that a student has or has not graduated is the point. Once out of school, fine, anything goes, but in school, I'd suspect the teacher of throwing the test, giving better grades, etc. for the benefit of that student.
@ ElkMeadow
The problem with your example is the teacher is already doing illegal acts and there is already a law for that.
Funny that 18 is old enough to ship them to Middle East to kill people, but not old enough to have sex with whoever they like.