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 North Carolina, it is illegal for educators to engage in sexual activity with students. The state has specific statutes that address sexual contact between teachers and students, which is considered a criminal offense regardless of the student's age or consent. Under North Carolina General Statutes, particularly G.S. 14-27.7(a), it is a felony for a teacher or other school personnel who are in a position of authority over a student to engage in sexual activity with a student who is enrolled in the same school. This law applies even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16 years old in North Carolina. The statutes are designed to protect students from being exploited by those in positions of power and trust within the educational system. Violations of these laws can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment and the loss of the educator's professional license.