Seventh-grader Lizeth Villanueva is by all accounts the sort of student that would make any parent proud. According to her mother, Villanueva excels in honor classes and never gets in trouble. It is the sort of behavior you’d expect to see rewarded, possibly with certificates and trips for frozen yogurt. Sadly, Villanueva received an award, but not the type anyone could have expected. And now the nature of the award is causing national outrage as the teacher behind the attempted “gag” faces discipline and possible termination.
During a faux-end-of-the-year awards ceremony at Anthony Aguirre Junior High in Channelview, Texas, Villanueva received a certificate that named her “Most Likely To Become A Terrorist.” According to The Washingon Post, not only did this happen, but other teachers witnessed it and other insensitive awards being handed out. Villanueva has yet to return to class since the incident.
Villanueva’s mother, Ena Hernandez, is outraged by the incident and is having none of it according to a report in The Washinton Post:
“I was upset and very mad when I saw the award,” Hernandez told The Washington Post. “I was surprised because my daughter has been doing well in the honors program.”
The teacher in question reportedly also named another boy in Villanueva’s class “Most Likely To Become Homeless” and a little girl “Most Likely To Cry About Every Little Thing.” The higher-ups at the school were not cool with this faux award ceremony and have taken swift action against the teacher as they look into what lead to such a mind-numbing decision. According to 12 News Now, The school released a statement apologizing for the awards and assuring that the incident is under control:
“The Channelview ISD Administration would like to apologize for the insensitive and offensive fake mock awards that were given to students in a classroom. Channelview ISD would like to assure all students, parents and community members that these award statements and ideals are not representative of the district’s vision, mission and educational goals for our students.
“The teachers involved in this matter have been disciplined according to district policy and the incident is still under investigation.”
Villanueva’s mother hopes the school with fire the teacher in question, noting that they will “continue doing the same thing” if not.
(Via The Washingon Post / 12 News Now / KPRC 2)