Teacher From Amherst First To Face ‘Howie Leung Loophole’ Law Charges

NH Patch                                                                                                                         April 15, 2022

 A teacher from Amherst, indicted in Rockingham County, is the first to face sexual assault charges due to changes to New Hampshire law to ensure teachers, psychologists, and others with authority do not have sex with students.

Amanda Grady Sexton, the director of public affairs for the NH Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence, said the Legislature saw the need to approve the changes because “it’s never appropriate for a teacher to engage in sexual contact with a student.” She said these types of relationships were inherently abusive because teachers hold power over students.

“Our K-12 educators are in a position of trust and authority over students — they are not peers regardless of the age of the student,” she said. “The power teachers hold creates a situation where students cannot truly consent to any type of romantic or sexual relationship.”

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