Teachers should not abuse authority

editorial cartoon by Stephanie Lesniak
editorial cartoon by Stephanie Lesniak

With the recent arrest of David Dangleis, a Bonita High School (BHS) teacher who allegedly had sexual relations with a BHS student, concerns about some student-teacher relationships have come to light. For the most part, many wonder exactly how and why a student-teacher relationship such as that of Dangleis could even occur, especially when a minor is involved. Meanwhile, other people admit that these sort of incidents “go on all the time, and everyone knows about them.”

In the first place, a precedence should be set about the specifics of a relationship between an instructor-whether that instructor be a coach, adviser or classroom teacher-and any student. As its policy states, the University of La Verne “discourages and disapproves of amorous relationships between any teacher, any manager, or any student adviser of the institution, and any student or employee for whom he or she has or may have professional responsibility.”

Teachers are supposed to be role models and mentors within a student’s life — someone with whom one could confide. This does not mean that a student should be discouraged from developing trust and comfort with a teacher, but the definition of such trust does not interpret to spending time with an instructor by having any sort of intimate relationship with him or her, whether or not these relations be consentual.

Of course, it can be understood that, many times, particularly within the period of adolescence, it is natural to have some kind of small “crush” on a teacher. This is often the result of insecurity, immaturity and one’s individual development. However, that excuse does not give just cause to act on such emotions. In the same respect, an instructor should not impede on a student’s gullibility and vulnerability by taking that student home and committing unlawful acts. It seems like nowadays these kinds of relationships are more common and more public, but they are still not right — neither by morals nor by law.

The University’s policy states that “it is incumbent on those with authority to not abuse, or seem to abuse, the power with which they are entrusted.” This reconfirms the fact that teachers should not take advantage of any crush or infatuation a student develops toward him or her, and vice versa.

On the other hand, it is not always one person who is to blame. It does take two to tango. Again, however, as the mature individual, a teacher should make it clear that this sort of behavior will not be tolerated, no matter what the circumstances.

In the case of Dangleis, various fellow students and classmates of the minor involved in the affair have said that they were aware the two had a very close and intimate relationship. Actually, even more students admitted that they were not surprised he was caught for his affair. Dangleis had been involved with a student at the high school in which he previously taught, eventually married another student from that high school, and was now involved with the BHS student for about a year and a half. Obviously, a clear pattern is evident within his personal life and teaching career.

Though Dangleis’ chances for a prolonged teaching career have been tarnished by these allegations, other teachers continue to use their own power to take advantage of other students. The truth is that teachers were hired because of their ability to be reliable, trustworthy instructors and role models. The fact that incidents such as these can even occur only creates larger doubts for those who really want to teach for the love of being a teacher and friend to students.

An instructor is to be a positive influence and guide for the students, not be the one with whom students can pursue an intimate relationship.

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Unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the Campus Times Editorial Board.

Stephanie Lesniak

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