LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Most states frown on physical relationships between teachers and students. In Arkansas, teachers are allowed to have sexual relationships with students as long as he or she is 18-years-old.
The Arkansas Attorney General says his office respects the court’s decision although they disagree with it. This statement comes after the State Supreme Court struck down a law aimed at preventing contact between students and teachers.
The ruling is in response to an appeal by David Paschal. Paschal is a high school teacher who was found guilty of having consensual sex with an 18-year-old student. State Attorneys argued that the law protects high school girls and boys from sexual advances by teachers.
The High Court responded with this statement: “Regardless of how it feels about Paschal’s conduct, the court cannot abandon its duty to uphold the rule of law. Therefore, Paschal will have his convictions reversed and dismissed.”
One parent says no matter what the law says, she doesn’t feel that type of relationship is acceptable.
“These teachers should know better because there is a difference when you are being a teacher and a friend; and somebody that is having sex with your students,” said parent Denise Colson.
Another parent says since you’re considered an adult at 18-years-old, it shouldn’t matter if teachers mix with students.
“If the child wants to have sex when they are 18 with their teacher, that is fine,” said parent Amy Dardenne. “They are adults at 18, so they might as well do what they want to do.”
It’s unclear if legislators will try to rework the law. A spokesperson for Governor Mike Beebe says it is way too early to talk about a response from the state capitol.
