Student-teacher sexual relationships under Texas law

Dallas police are wondering if there is an epidemic of student and teacher sexual relationships. Three North Texas educators have been arrested recently and a fourth is under investigation for sexually abusing students.

Experts in sexual abuse cases say, although the media highlights them, the number of student-teacher liaisons most likely hasn’t changed. What is different, they say, is that kids are more willing to talk about them. Even if they’re afraid, a Virginia Commonwealth University social science researcher and professor says, students are more aware of sexual abuse stories and are coming forward to tell authorities.

The professor says law enforcement can better prove sexual wrongdoing by teachers through electronic devices. Cell phone calls and messages, computer-generated emails, and social networking sites like Facebook can help verify any claims of abuse.

In Texas, it is illegal for teachers to engage in s