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 Arkansas, it is illegal for an educator to engage in sexual contact with a student, regardless of the student's age or consent. Arkansas law specifically addresses the issue of sexual relationships between teachers and students under Arkansas Code Annotated § 5-14-125, which makes it a crime for a person in a position of trust or authority over a student, such as a teacher, to engage in sexual activity with a student, even if the student has reached the age of consent. This law applies to students who are enrolled in the same school district where the educator works. Violation of this statute is considered a felony and can result in severe legal consequences, including imprisonment and registration as a sex offender. The intent behind such laws is to protect students from potential abuse of power by educators and to maintain the integrity of the educational environment.