A school tried to give a joke award for “most likely to be a terrorist,” and WHAT?!
It’s customary for schools to wrap up the year by holding an end-of-the-year ceremony. Some schools hand out mock awards to students to poke a little fun at them. These awards are usually meant to be light-hearted and harmless. So, imagine our shock when we learned a junior high school handed out a mock award for “most likely to become a terrorist.”
Yes, really.
Anthony Aguirre Junior High in Channelview, Texas gave seventh grader, Lizeth Villanueva, an award for “most like to become a terrorist.” It was maybe meant to be a joke like an end-of-the-year mock awards ceremony? Whatever the intention, it was definitely not okay. Lizeth, who is of Salvadoran decent, was totally shocked. According to The Washington Post, Lizeth said her teachers just laughed when they handed her the truly offensive award.
The award itself is terror. Everyday I read the news and have to check if I'm reading a 'real' site. We R deranged. https://t.co/spzAbQIBFx
— Joe Crescente (@dzhozevich6) May 26, 2017
It’s no wonder the internet went into a frenzied flurry.
Fire them all! That is disgusting. I wonder how much hate these students are dealing with everyday? Shameful!
— Niki Cruze-Keenu (@smokee209) May 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/udfredirect/status/868136666061524993
How, in ANY WAY, could ANYONE deem this "lighthearted" and "an attempt to poke fun"??!! https://t.co/Tjs2zedKVm
— Caroline (@CarKeo) May 26, 2017
Lizeth received this certificate just one day after the Manchester bombing.
Lizeth’s mother, Ena Hernandez, spoke to The Washington Post about the offensive award.
She said, “I was upset and very mad when I saw the award…I was surprised because my daughter has been doing well in the honors program.
We’d like to think schools would treat all students with sensitivity and respect regardless of their academic standing. Sadly, a handful of teachers at Anthony Aguirre Junior High thought these type of awards would be okay.
Other awards include “most likely to cry at every little thing” and “most likely to become homeless.”
Channelview Independent School District has since apologized for the “poor attempt to poke fun.” They want to reassure students and parents that the statements in the awards do no reflect the district’s missions and educational goals for the students. The teachers have since been disciplined.
Unfortunately, Lizeth has not returned to school since the incident. We seriously hope it doesn’t deter her from getting the education she deserves. We’re all rooting for you, Lizeth!
