Student and teacher relationships are a predominant issue in our society. The topic is brought up frequently in our culture whether it be on a television series such a "Pretty Little Liars", or in major motion pictures like "Legally Blonde". This is such a known issue because of the heated arguments for both sides. This argument is especially brought up in college/university regulations. Professors walk the thin line of being an involved teacher and an inappropriate one. This line is discussed in the article The Right to Romance by Paul R. Abramson, and Eros, Eroticism and the Pedagogical Process by Bell Hooks. .
Over the last decade, there is been a dramatic shift in how universities handle romantic relationships between teachers and students. Colleges have widely banned such relationships, adopting strict rules on dating among students, professors, and even teaching assistants due to the fears of expensive sexual harassment lawsuits, but according to the article "The Right to Romance", "These rules ignore the rights and liberties of students and professors alike, and treat both as if they were children. They also represent an assault on one of the most fundamental rights of conscience: the right to choose our relationships. The US constitution does not explicitly recognize a right to romance, but the basis for the right runs deep." .
Though students and professors do have the right to choose their relationships, colleges/universities want to avoid this situation at all costs because of the strict, and forceful sexual harassment charges they enforce. Abramson states, "Sexual harassment is a coercive and hostile assault upon the integrity and autonomy of another person. It is potentially illegal and always immoral. This is why there is a very powerful difference between a professor and student. A professor's position and experience can be both persuasive and attractive, but should know its morally wrong due to the circumstances they, and the school could face.
