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improper educator-student relationship

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 Maine, it is illegal for educators to engage in sexual contact with students under their authority. Maine law specifically addresses the issue of sexual relationships between school employees and students, regardless of the student's age or consent. Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 17-A, Section 255-A, it is a crime for a person employed by or volunteering at a school to have sexual contact with a student enrolled at that school who is not their spouse. This law applies even if the student has reached the age of consent, which is 16 years old in Maine. Violation of this statute is considered a Class E crime, which can result in penalties including fines and imprisonment. The law is designed to protect students from potential abuses of power and to maintain the integrity of the educational environment.

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Schools

improper educator-student relationship

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Maine State Code

Maine State Code

Schools

improper educator-student relationship

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