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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Most states prosecute educators (teachers) for improper sexual contact with students under the state’s statutory rape laws—which are premised on the student being under the age of consent recognized by law, even if the student was a willing participant.

But some states have enacted specific statutes making it a crime—often a felony—for an educator to have sexual contact with a student—even if the student has reached the age of consent (17 years of age, for example).

Laws vary from state to state, and laws governing sexual contact between educators and students are generally located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code.

In Vermont, it is illegal for educators to engage in sexual conduct with students under their authority. Vermont law specifically addresses the issue of sexual conduct between teachers and students in 13 V.S.A. § 3252. This statute makes it a crime for a person to engage in a sexual act with a minor if the person is in a position of power, authority, or supervision over the minor, which includes teachers or other school employees. The law applies regardless of the student's age, meaning that even if the student is at or above the age of consent, which is 16 in Vermont, it is still illegal for an educator to have sexual contact with them. Violations of this law can result in serious felony charges, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting students from sexual exploitation by educators.

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Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Vermont State Code

Vermont State Code

Criminal charges

improper educator-student relationship

Articles