Teachers give 'Most Likely to Become a Terrorist' award to 13-year-old girl

[zenkai]

Source

CHANNELVIEW, Texas — A number of teachers in a Texas school district are being disciplined after naming a student "most likely to become a terrorist."

Lizeth Villanueva, a seventh grader, received a certificate during a mock awards ceremony Tuesday at Anthony Aguirre Junior High in Channelview, Texas, near Houston. Lizeth said the teacher who signed it handed out certificates to a number of students while other teachers watched and laughed.

"They just found it as a joke," said Lizeth, 13.

The awards were given out a day after the suicide bombing at the end of the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

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“She said that some people might get offended, but she doesn’t really care about our feelings," Lizeth said. “She was laughing about it.”

It’s no laughing matter to Lizeth’s mom.

“I read it twice. I’m like, 'What is this?!' " said Ena Hernandez.

Hernandez said her daughter is in an advanced academic program and has never had a discipline problem.
The Channelview Independent School District is disciplining

The Channelview Independent School District is disciplining teachers who named Lizeth Villanueva as the student "most likely to become a terrorist." (Photo: KHOU-TV, Houston)

“It doesn’t look good at all, especially coming from a teacher, a grown-up woman,” Hernandez said. “It doesn’t look good because everything that’s going on right now.”

Hernandez said the principal, Eric Lathan, personally apologized during a meeting at the school.

“I just think it’s going to stop, it’s going to end there,” Hernandez said.

The Channelview Independent School District would not confirm the names of any teachers because it’s a personnel matter, but a spokesperson said those involved are being disciplined in accordance with policy.

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In a statement, the school district said, "The Channelview (Independent School District) 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."

Lizeth has an idea of what she would like to see happen to the teachers.

“Get fired, at least, or something,” she said.

She hasn’t been back to class since receiving her certificate.

Even though it was a joke, she should know better, there are things you can't joke about in a classroom...It's like she hasn't been paying attention to what is going on.

[ItachiZaku]

That still makes me laugh.

[The One Percent]

Related:Teacher fired for biting special needs student

[Video Games]

Pretty funny, but it was silly of them to do that.

[Novakhoro]

I would've laughed my ass off had it been awarded to me. But I'm not surprised that it was a not-so-great reception. Gotta know the people you're makin these kinda jokes to better I guess

[JohnnyTheCherriesLover]

PC gone mad, it's just a bit of banter.

[Deleted]

While it would be funny among friends(by that i mean adult friends) doing that to a 13yo isn't exactly a good idea. Stupid gonna be stupid.

[oplawlz]

13yo girl outraged: news at 11.

[Deleted]

it's all fun and games until the NSA makes a automation or clerical error and you end up on the wrong list.

[Deleted]

Thats not even the slightest bit funny, I hope she gets more than just fired as an adult in her position.

More than just fired? Calm down luv

[Rustedsaint]

So is this what they call career suicide? Cause seriously there has to be something wrong with someone to give this as joke award to a 13 year old girl.

[Zandalarian Paladin]

Even though it was a joke, she should know better, there are things you can't joke about in a classroom...It's like she hasn't been paying attention to what is going on.

It's a joke.

What's going on with the US being unable to handle a joke?

[Evangeliste]

I get the joke and such but maybe be a bit of verbal banter rather than extend it to paper. Personally the paper part is a bit of bad taste but you know going lunatic over it is a bit much.

[Dagas]

Too many sandy vajayjay's in the world can't take a joke anymore, even if it's tasteless and you don't like it then just move the hell on with your day.

[PassingBy]

It is clearly a joke.
Would've laughed if it was my teacher, or if it will be the teacher of my child.

But, probably, the timing was a bit unlucky with the recent attack in Manchester?

[primalmatter]

Contrary to popular belief, uttering the phrase "it's a joke" does not automatically absolve someone of blame.

I dare ask what blame...

[Deleted]

Oh no an innocent joke.

Fire the teachers, boycott the school! LET'S RUIN SOME LIVES!

[mizeri]

the teachers are being punished as in paid vacation?

[Jaylock]

Thats not even the slightest bit funny, I hope she gets more than just fired as an adult in her position.

Lighten up, it was a mock awards ceremony that means nothing.

The office dundies awards comes to mind:

[Puupi]

It's a joke. Grow up people.