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 Louisiana, it is illegal for an educator to engage in sexual contact with a student. The state has specific statutes that criminalize sexual conduct between teachers and students, regardless of the student's age or consent. Under Louisiana law, this type of conduct is typically addressed under the abuse of office statutes, which make it a crime for teachers or other persons in a position of authority to engage in sexual relations with those under their authority. This includes students, even if they have reached the age of consent, which is 17 years in Louisiana. Violations of these laws can result in felony charges, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment and fines. The relevant laws are found in the Louisiana Revised Statutes, particularly within the penal or criminal code sections that deal with sexual offenses and abuse of office.