Modesto teacher involved with student raises host of ethical questions

[alp227]

A teacher's romantic relationship with a student, even one who is legally an adult, raises thorny issues of morality, accountability and ethics.

Duty vs. desire. Trust vs. freedom.

High schools everywhere grapple with issues of budding sexuality and a legal age that often arrives before adult reasoning kicks in.

Teachers know teen sophistication often goes no deeper than the sparkly nail polish, but in the daily hubbub lines can blur.

The relationship of former Enochs High business teacher James Hooker, 41, and Enochs student Jordan Powers, 18, broke trusts. It violated Modesto City Schools policies.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/2012/02/29/2092194/modesto-teacher-involved-with.html

Here's a photo of this sick man and naive partner:

[abbeyco]

1. I've heard the story called "Molesto" and I'm on the fence

Had the same thing happen back in the '80s when I was in high school and while it was creepy, the couple is still together more than 30 years later.

[crimsonblue]

2. I was gonna say "Hot for teacher.."

but seeing the picture, it doesn't really apply. Just curious, why is this guy a "sick man"? If I am not incorrect, both people are of legal consenting age, yes? Would you consider this disgusting if the gender roles were reversed?

[GobBluth]

3. Maybe not illegal (and I don't think it should be if 18), BUT DAMN SURE

UNETHICAL! And for sure as shit, he should be fired! FUCK! I had one teacher who flirted with attractive girls, me being one. At least he waited until I graduated (and not just me, others) to call me up to ask me out (I said no, not sure about the others). That was skeevy enough for me.

[lumberjack_jeff]

4. He violated the trust placed in him by the community.

You don't screw the students or the hired help. Period.

Maybe not jail, but he should never teach again.

[Joe Shlabotnik]

5. Let it go. There is enough Faux outrage all the time. BFD, no story.

There are far more grand and egregious news stories than this that don't get reported or followed up on. Stories such as this just create moral straw men. Lets see some high crimes get the media attention for a change. This shit is just a distraction for those that want to be morally outraged, but can't bring themselves to the greater outrages committed by those in legislative power. Its a distraction.

[vaberella]

6. I don't think he's "a sick man".

If there was something going on while she was still under 18 and he was still married...fine then he's a perv. Here, he's just with a younger girl and a former student. I see nothing wrong here and I personally have nothing against Student/Teacher relationships as long as they are between consenting adults. There's nothing taboo here.