Saying 'Vagina' During Biology Class Leads to Investigation of Idaho Science Teacher
Parents in Dietrich, Idaho, aren't very happy with the way science teacher Tim McDaniel is teaching their children human anatomy.
That is to say, they're unhappy that he is teaching them human anatomy at all.
In a formal complaint made against the 18-year Dietrich School veteran by at least four parents, McDaniel is chided for using the word "vagina" during a tenth-grade biology class on the human reproductive system.
Among other complaints submitted to the school: McDaniel explained the biology of an orgasm, taught students about STDs and birth control, and showed a clip from An Inconvenient Truth, which led to a discussion about climate change.
"I teach straight out of the textbook, I don't include anything that the textbook doesn't mention," McDaniel told the Twin Falls Times-News. "But I give every student the option not attend this class when I teach on the reproductive system if they don't feel comfortable with the material."
No student has ever opted out, McDaniel said.
The parents made other allegations against McDaniel, including that he "shared confidential student files with an individual other than their parents," and "told inappropriate jokes in class."
But The Raw Story reports that some students who are rallying around McDaniel believe those who complained about the teacher's methods may be motivated by religion.
Per the most recent statistics, nearly 66% of all Lincoln County adherents are affiliated with the Mormon Church, which specifically requires parents to "ensure that the [sex education] instructions given to their children are consistent with sound moral and ethical values."
Though the Idaho State Department of Education is currently investigating the complaint, Dietrich Superintendent Neil Hollingshead told the Times-News he doesn't expect the review to result in McDaniel's dismissal.
"Maybe a letter of reprimand from the school board," he said.
