An Idaho biology teacher is being investigated by the state’s professional standards commission after complaints by parents that he used the word “vagina” during a lesson on human reproduction.
Tim McDaniel is being investigated after a complaint was filed by a handful of parents, Dietrich Superintendent Neil Hollingshead told Times-News.
The science teacher said he has taught Dietrich’s science classes for the past 18 years without receiving a complaint from parents or students, Times-News reports. According to him, four parents were offended that he explained the biology of an orgasm and included the word “vagina” in his 10th-grade biology course.
“I teach straight out of the textbook. I don’t include anything that the textbook doesn’t mention,” Mr. McDaniel said. “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.”
The superintendent said it is very unlikely the investigation will result in the teacher’s dismissal, but that a “letter of reprimand from the school board” was a possibility. He said the school board is also reviewing the situation, but no decision has been made.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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