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, regardless of the student's age or consent. Louisiana law specifically criminalizes sexual relationships between teachers and students under the state's abuse of office statutes. According to Louisiana Revised Statutes 14:81.4, it is a felony for any teacher, school employee, or other person in a position of supervision or disciplinary power to engage in sexual conduct with a student who is enrolled at the same school. This law applies even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 17 years in Louisiana. The offense is considered more severe if the student is under the age of 17, potentially leading to charges under statutory rape laws as well. Violations can result in significant legal consequences, including imprisonment and the loss of professional licenses.