Parents, students, and the entire New Orleans community are understandably shocked and angered by reports that an Academy of the Sacred Heart teacher, Teddi A. Page, was arrested on allegations of sexual conduct with a student. According to news coverage and school communications, the teacher was terminated, escorted off campus, and later booked at Orleans Justice Center on a count of sex between an educator and a student. At AWKO, our focus is on what comes next for the student, the family, and others who may have been harmed—and on explaining the civil (money damages) options that exist alongside the criminal case.
Below is an educational overview of Louisiana law and civil rights in situations like this, written for families seeking clarity and support. Every case is unique, so this is not legal advice; it’s a starting point to help you understand your options.
What Louisiana Law Says About Teacher–Student Sexual Conduct
Louisiana has a specific crime called “prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and a student,” codified at La. R.S. 14:81.4. In plain language, the statute makes it illegal for an educator to engage in sexual intercourse or lewd conduct with a student at the school where the educator is assigned, when the student is 17–20 years old and there is more than a four‑year age gap.
Key points:
- It applies to private and Catholic schools as well as public schools.
- “Educator” is broad: teacher, coach, aide, or other school employee.
- The law recognizes that even if the student is over the age of consent, the power imbalance and position of trust make this conduct criminal.
Criminal charges are handled by law enforcement and the district attorney, and the accused is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. But regardless of how the criminal case ends, a student and family may still have civil claims for damages.
Criminal Case vs. Civil Lawsuit: Different Goals
When a teacher is arrested for alleged sexual conduct with a student, two separate legal tracks may exist:
- Criminal case
- Brought by the State (through NOPD and the DA).
- Goal: punishment (jail, probation, fines, sex‑offender registration).
- The family is a key witness but not the party “suing.”
- Civil case
- Brought by the student (through a parent/guardian if still a minor).
- Goal: compensation and accountability—money damages and, in some cases, systemic changes.
- Can be filed even if the criminal case is pending, or if the criminal charges are reduced, dropped, or result in an acquittal.
The standard of proof in a civil case (“more likely than not”) is lower than in a criminal case (“beyond a reasonable doubt”), which means a civil court can find liability even where a criminal conviction is not obtained.
Potential Civil Claims in a Teacher–Student Abuse Case
Depending on the facts, a New Orleans student and family may have civil claims against:
- The individual teacher (for sexual assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress).
- The school or religious institution (for negligent hiring, retention, supervision, or failure to protect).
Courts and juries look closely at whether the school:
- Ignored or downplayed red flags about the educator’s behavior.
- Failed to respond appropriately when concerns were first raised.
- Lacked or failed to enforce policies about boundaries, reporting, and student safety.
In earlier school‑abuse lawsuits, plaintiffs have alleged that administrators and staff had warnings but failed to act, allowing grooming and abuse to continue. That kind of pattern, if proven, can significantly increase the school’s civil exposure.
“We Did a Background Check” Is Not the End of the Story
In the Sacred Heart case, officials have stated that the teacher’s background check and references showed no issues, and that faculty, staff, and students are trained on boundaries and safety. Those facts matter—but they are not the end of the civil analysis.
A careful civil investigation asks:
- Were there earlier informal complaints or rumors that went undocumented or unreported?
- Did staff observe boundary‑crossing behavior (excessive texting, one‑on‑one meetings, favoritism) that should have prompted action?
- Were reporting procedures actually followed when “concerns” first arose this week, or could intervention have come sooner?
Louisiana law requires educators who have cause to believe prohibited sexual conduct occurred to immediately report to law enforcement. In a civil case, failure to follow those mandatory reporting duties can be powerful evidence of negligence.
Damages a Student and Family May Pursue
Sexual misconduct by a trusted teacher can cause deep and lasting harm, even when physical injuries are not obvious. Civil damages may include:
- Therapy and counseling costs (current and future).
- Medical and psychiatric care related to trauma.
- Pain and suffering (emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD).
- Loss of educational opportunities or school transfer costs if the student must leave.
- Loss of enjoyment of life and trust in institutions.
In more severe cases—especially where a pattern of institutional failure is proven—juries in other jurisdictions have awarded substantial settlements and verdicts to recognize the profound, long‑term impact of educator abuse.
The Importance of Trauma‑Informed Legal Representation
For families navigating a situation like the Sacred Heart allegations, the legal process should never add to the trauma. A trauma‑informed civil practice will:
- Prioritize the student’s safety and emotional well‑being at every step.
- Coordinate with therapists to avoid unnecessary re‑telling of painful events.
- Structure interviews and evidence‑gathering in age‑appropriate, sensitive ways.
- Keep the family informed and in control of key decisions (such as whether to settle privately or pursue public litigation).
In many cases, civil claims also become a vehicle to push for policy changes—stronger reporting rules, better training, and improved oversight—so other students are better protected going forward.
What Families Should Do If They Suspect Educator Misconduct
If you are a parent, guardian, or student at a New Orleans school and you suspect inappropriate behavior by a teacher, coach, or staff member:
- Ensure immediate safety
- Remove the student from direct contact with the educator.
- Seek emergency care if there is any physical harm or acute mental health crisis.
- Document what happened
- Save texts, emails, social media messages, and any written communications.
- Write down dates, locations, and descriptions of concerning incidents.
- Report to the school and law enforcement
- Inform school administration in writing.
- Louisiana law expects educators with “cause to believe” misconduct occurred to report to law enforcement; families can and should do the same.
- Seek counseling with a qualified trauma therapist
- Early support can help reduce long‑term psychological harm.
- Consult a civil attorney experienced in school abuse cases
- A lawyer can advise you on preserving evidence, interacting with the school, and whether civil claims are appropriate.
How AWKO Can Help in a Case Like This
AWKO’s role in a situation like the reported Sacred Heart arrest is not to interfere with the criminal process, but to:
- Protect the student’s civil rights and potential claims.
- Communicate with the school and church/diocesan authorities on the family’s behalf.
- Obtain and review policy manuals, reporting protocols, and internal communications (through public records requests or civil discovery, when appropriate).
- Evaluate whether the facts support claims against the individual teacher, the school, or both.
- Pursue a resolution—through negotiation or litigation—that addresses both compensation and, where possible, institutional change.
Every family’s priorities are different: privacy vs. public accountability, speed vs. thoroughness, settlement vs. trial. A good civil lawyer will tailor the strategy to those priorities while still preserving the student’s long‑term interests.
Respecting the Process and Supporting Survivors
All accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. At the same time, students who come forward with allegations of abuse deserve to be believed, protected, and offered robust support—counseling, academic accommodations, and a safe learning environment.
Holding institutions accountable through civil law is one way families can seek justice beyond the criminal courtroom. It also sends a clear message that breaches of trust by educators will not be tolerated in New Orleans’ schools, religious or secular.
If you are a Sacred Heart parent, a New Orleans family, or a former student who is struggling with a situation involving educator misconduct—past or present—AWKO is available to listen and help you explore your options. You do not have to decide anything today, but you deserve to understand your rights in a confidential, supportive setting.
A teacher‑student boundary violation is not just “inappropriate”—it can be a crime and a civil wrong. If you have questions about your child’s rights or a potential claim, contact AWKO for a confidential, no‑obligation consultation.
To read the full news article about the Academy of the Sacred Heart arrest, visit the Times‑Picayune/Advocate coverage here:
Academy of the Sacred Heart teacher arrested, accused of sex with student – NOLA.com.