Lawmaker's proposals aim to keep predators away from children

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Rep. Joe Atkins, DFL-Inver Grove Heights, says most people are shocked to learn that teachers engaging in sexual activity with 18-year-old students is not illegal in Minnesota.

Police in Hastings recently investigated a former high school coach for a possible inappropriate relationship with a female student. But prosecutors were unable to bring charges, because the student was 18.

Atkins wants to make sexual contact between a teacher and student a felony offense, regardless of the student's age. Dakota County Attorney Jim Backstrom, who handled the Hastings case, praised Atkins for proposing to change the law.

"It's unconscionable for someone in a position in authority to do that to a young woman, a vulnerable young woman," said Backstrom.

Backstrom also supports Atkins' proposal to keep the student directories published by many school districts out of the hands of sexual predators.

The proposal would keep directories out of the hands of all but parents, guardians, school employees and others with a demonstrated need for the information, such as school photographers and yearbook companies.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)