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 Rhode Island, it is illegal for educators to engage in sexual contact with students under their supervision. The state's General Laws specifically address the issue of sexual relationships between school employees and students. According to Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-37-8.1, it is a criminal offense for a school employee to engage in sexual penetration or sexual contact with a student who is 14 years of age or older but under the age of 18, regardless of the student's consent. This law applies to students enrolled in a school or educational institution where the accused is employed, and violations can result in felony charges. The statute reflects the state's recognition of the inherent power imbalance between educators and students, and the need to protect minors from exploitation in educational settings. It is important to note that the age of consent in Rhode Island is generally 16 years old, but the specific statute for school employees creates a higher standard of conduct for those in positions of authority over students.