Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Destrehan teacher sex scandal illustrates persistent stereotypes about gender, age


There’s no doubt that much of the watercooler chatter across the metro area the past few days centered on the tantalizing details that emerged after two teachers at Destrehan High School were arrested on charges of having group sex with a 16-year-old student at a Kenner apartment.

The arrests came after boasts by the alleged victim to other students about his escapades with his current and former English teachers, according to school officials, who caught wind of the talk and reported it to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.

As news broke, reactions in the parish and across the region ranged across the spectrum, from shock and anger among parents and school officials that teachers would betray the trust placed in them, to crude jokes and even congratulatory high-fives for the teenage boy offered by some gathered at local watering holes or on online message boards. Even “Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon jumped into the fray.

A host of professional observers — including law enforcement officials, therapists, sociologists and child welfare advocates — say that if the allegations are true, it’s obvious a crime was committed. At the same time, they understand why the court of public opinion seems less universal in its outrage than in some other cases where teachers have had sex with students.  (more...)


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