According to Fox News Digital, a middle school in Utah’s Nebo District offered sixth-grade students “disgusting” insects to eat last Wednesday as part of an English assignment about climate change. The mother spoke to Fox News Digital to say that the idea would help save the environment from cows that were “killing it all.”
“Middle schoolers loved bugs, and many gave them a try (and even some staff!)!” The Spring Canyon Middle school expressed its appreciation to English teachers for their engaging and fun lessons on March 7.
The district stated that the bugs were bought from a commercial location that was “safe for consumption”.
Fox News’ Amanda Wright, the mother of one student, stated that she believed the children were being “indoctrinated” into a dark climate change religion. After her daughter found the assignment uncomfortable, she challenged Alison Hansen, the school principal.
Sixth-graders were required to write an argumentative essay on climate change. Students were not allowed to disagree. There was only one acceptable answer: Humans should eat insects as a source of protein, not cows. Methane gas is destroying the Ozone layer.
Students were offered extra credit to encourage them to eat the insects.
Wright complained to the administration and she set up a meeting, which she recorded.
Wright stated that Wright was not allowed to give Wright an argument about Wright’s argumentative essay.
Hansen stated, “Well, it was about finding facts that support.”
“All evidence suggests that we should probably be eating bugs. It’s good for our environment and other things. According to an audio recording, teacher Kim Cutler stated that she didn’t know that this was an offensive topic.
Wright’s daughter took a separate video recording in the classroom.
“How is it that we are unable to express our opinions and write that we shouldn’t be eating bugs?” Cutler was asked by Cutler.
Cutler stated, “Because there is no evidence to support it.”
“It’s weird that I gave you a topic with only one correct answer. It’s not something we want to do and it’s very gross. Are we supposed to eat bugs? We’re destroying the planet by raising animals and cows. We need to not eliminate cows but balance our diet to ensure that less of our land is used for cows. This will help to protect the Ozone layer.
The student interrupted, “What if you really wanted to?”
The teacher replied, “You don’t have any evidence to back it.” This essay has only one correct answer. It’s that Americans should eat bugs. Everybody in the world eats them. It’s good for the environment, and there’s only one correct answer.
Cutler explained to the parent in a later meeting that the “indoctrination” that humans must eat bugs in order to preserve the environment was given in a district training.
She admitted that she didn’t know that there were downsides for eating bugs and offered to help students write alternative perspectives.
She said, “I’m not aware of the agenda portion.” “I’m sorry, it wasn’t intended to harm anyone,” she said.
The district released a statement saying, “On the questions regarding extra credit: Yes, teacher said that you can have bonus point, almost as an afterthought.” This class offers multiple options for bonus points or extra credit.
“[W]hen teacher realized that there was concern, the student received another topic. The spokesperson said that this assignment was about supporting argumentative essays with facts and opinions. Parents and students are encouraged to contact us by our district, schools and teachers with any concerns. We are willing to remain partners in the education and advancement of children.”