Theoretical teacher/student sex punishes the teacher only
Jon Lytle
Issue date: 5/8/09 Section: Opinion
In April of 2009, Jennifer Lea Burton, a Texan junior high school teacher and coach, was caught having sex with a 15-year-old girl on video. According to KBMT news, a station owned by NBC in southeast Texas, she was indicted for three counts of sexual assault and three counts of inappropriate relations with a student who is a minor. She faces up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 for each count.
Burton is one of the many cases of teacher/student sexual relationships that have been uncovered all around the country.
While it is a very real problem in grade schools, teacher/student relationships at the college level are something of a taboo subject as opposed to a problem. As both of the parties are of a legal age, it is up to the school to regulate this sexual activity.
"[It's known] that it is completely inappropriate for any faculty member to have a relationship with a student," Dean of Arts and Communications Phillip Manwell said. "What could happen? What would happen as a result? I guess it would have to do a lot with what the charges were and how the student perceives the charges."
President Derionne Pollard, Director of Research and Planning Amber Machamer and Dean of Student Services and Counseling Jeff Baker were all unavailable to comment on the possible punishment of a teacher caught in a relationship with a student.
Philip Manwell stated that, while the situation would not be made public, even to faculty. The problem would be dealt with internally by high-ranking staff.
"If something inappropriate had happened or a student was injured in anyway," said Manwell, "that would be our primary concern."
Students have almost nothing to fear from a sexual relationship with someone on faculty, but a teacher could have their entire reputation tarnished. While Burton quit before the school could take any action against her, other teachers have not been so lucky.
Debra Lafave, a 25-year-old teacher at Greco Middle School in Tampa, was placed under house arrest for three years after multiple sex acts with a 14-year-old student.
Burton is one of the many cases of teacher/student sexual relationships that have been uncovered all around the country.
While it is a very real problem in grade schools, teacher/student relationships at the college level are something of a taboo subject as opposed to a problem. As both of the parties are of a legal age, it is up to the school to regulate this sexual activity.
"[It's known] that it is completely inappropriate for any faculty member to have a relationship with a student," Dean of Arts and Communications Phillip Manwell said. "What could happen? What would happen as a result? I guess it would have to do a lot with what the charges were and how the student perceives the charges."
President Derionne Pollard, Director of Research and Planning Amber Machamer and Dean of Student Services and Counseling Jeff Baker were all unavailable to comment on the possible punishment of a teacher caught in a relationship with a student.
Philip Manwell stated that, while the situation would not be made public, even to faculty. The problem would be dealt with internally by high-ranking staff.
"If something inappropriate had happened or a student was injured in anyway," said Manwell, "that would be our primary concern."
Students have almost nothing to fear from a sexual relationship with someone on faculty, but a teacher could have their entire reputation tarnished. While Burton quit before the school could take any action against her, other teachers have not been so lucky.
Debra Lafave, a 25-year-old teacher at Greco Middle School in Tampa, was placed under house arrest for three years after multiple sex acts with a 14-year-old student.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
ger
posted 5/14/09 @ 6:39 PM PST
Still obssessed with sex? Go get a life Express. Save trees and be useful.
Kim
posted 7/05/09 @ 7:55 PM PST
I think if a student sixteen and over is caught having a sexual realtionship with a teacher they both should get punish for their faults. The child should get suspended and even kicked out of that particular school or district to teach others not to do the same. (Continued…)
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