California Bill Would Punish Student-Teacher Dating
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A 41-year-old teacher leaves his wife and his three children to date one of his high school students — and there's nothing illegal about it.
A California lawmaker is hoping to change that with a bill that would make such relationships a felony, even if the student is 18, and strip teachers of their pensions and retiree health care.
The bill is a response to the case of Modesto high school teacher James Hooker, who quit his job and moved in with 18-year-old student Jordan Powers.
The couple has defended their relationship on national talk shows, saying it did not turn sexual until Powers was of age.
Republican Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen, of Modesto, said there must be consequences for teachers who seduce their pupils, no matter the student's age.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
