Sexual misconduct between teachers and students has always been, and will continue to be, an issue in schools. Simply creating a set of guidelines to limit teacher-student communication will not be effective in reducing sexual misconduct, even though its purpose is to, “protect students from sexual misconduct and abuse [while] providing a safe and healthy environment for teaching and learning.”
While these guidelines may slightly reduce the amount of cases regarding sexual misconduct, they are unnecessary and counter-intuitive. Inappropriate behavior is already a violation with appropriate consequences and with the guidelines, cases would just turn into an even more convoluted ordeal.
The statistics for sexual misconduct are astounding. A survey conducted by the American Association of University Women in 2006 showed that 38% of students between eighth and eleventh grade have been sexually harassed by a teacher.
With such a large number of cases, it seems unlikely that reducing communication options will do much to reduce sexual misconduct.
If a teacher who is trying to attain a sexual relation with a student or vice-versa, it is doubtful that the guidelines would stop them, seeing that the teacher is willing to risk a career for sexual gratification.
The guidelines would also hamper students’ rights to be independent. High school is the beginning of preparation for independence after college. But, how can a student be independent and take charge of his or her education if he or she has to get written consent from a parent to meet with a teacher after school? It would be a blatant violation of the trust that teachers and students have with each other.