LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas education officials are looking at a state Supreme Court ruling on sexual contact between teachers and students to see if it will affect their ability to revoke educators' licenses for such activity.
The court on Thursday partially struck down a state law barring sex between a teacher and a person under 21 who attends school where the educator works. The case involved former Elkins High School teacher David Paschal, who admitted having a consensual sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student.
State Department of Education rules require teachers to abide by an ethics code. Spokesman Seth Blomeley told the Southwest Times Record officials haven't determined whether the court opinion affects that rule.
The Legislature added sexual contact between a teacher and student to the definition of second-degree sexual assault.
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