Double standards stink -- especially when they involve the stolen innocence of our children.

In one week's time here in Kern County, two female school teachers were arrested for illegal sexual contact with their young male students.

Andour community responds with a wink and a nod. If it had been the other way around and the teachers were men preying on young girls, this community would be up in arms.

But no one bats an eye when the district attorney reduces the charges against Buttonwillow teacher Sherry Brians to a misdemeanor.

She has pleaded not guilty, even though cops say she's admitted repeatedly hugging and kissing a 12-year-old boy, and writing him a love letter.

For that, prosecutors intend to slap her on the wrist. What kind of message does this send? Isn't the innocence of a little boy worth just as much as a little girl?

We need to throw the book at any teacher convicted of robbing a child of innocence. Such monsters -- even women -- belong behind bars.

That's our take, now it's your turn.

--Craig Jahelka