The article which I assume you ' ve read , makes the relationships she had with both students consensual . Young men at that age are mentally developed enough make an informed decision on whether or not to engage in intercourse with anyone whether be teachers or students of the same age . If the students are 17 years of age , they are legally allowed to engage in consensual sex with anyone else above the legal age of consent . However , it is illegal for a high school teacher to engage in sex with current high school students . As far as we know from this article , no actual abuse sexual , physical , or emotional was committed . Yes , its a serious issue but I believe the students should be held accountable , if it indeed was consensual sex .