By David Wolf, Attorney
Published by Child Injury Lawyer Network
A State of Washington Court ruled this week that teachers can legally have sex with 18 year old students. This ruling ignited outrage among educators, parents, and psychologists among others. The Washington Court of Appeals ordered the dismissal of a case brought against Matthew Hirschfielder, a former choir teacher at Hoquiam High School. There is a Washington State law that bans sex between teachers and students but the Court ruled that the law was vague as it pertained to sex with an 18 year old. In Washington and other States, 18 year olds are considered adults and not minors under State law.
This Washington legal case illustrates the difference between a violation of the law and a violation of ethics. In addition, the School District may be able to pass an ethics code as to sexual contact between teacher and student that may be used to get rid of teachers who prey on students for dates, sex, and inappropriate relationships.
You can read more about this story at Outrage by Concerned Parents and Child Advocates Follow Ruling Allowing Teacher / Student Sex.