WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Kansas’ highest court has upheld a law prohibiting sexual contact between teachers and adult students.
The Wichita Eagle reports that the Kansas Court of Appeals ruling stemmed from a case involving Charles Edwards. The former Wichita Northwest High School choir teacher challenged his conviction for having consensual sex with an 18-year-old student in his home in March 2010. Edwards was 30 at the time.
Edwards contended that he should be held to the same standards as college professors. They’re not barred by law from having sex with students.
The court wrote that although both situations involve learning environments, the circumstances are “hardly comparable.” The ruling noted that high school attendance is mandatory while college attendance is voluntary. The court also stressed that most K-12 students are minors.
