A teacher from Pearland, Texas, is being widely criticized online after a parent of one of her students posted a question from a science quiz on Facebook.
The question asks students to choose "True or False" to the question "Is the [virus] a scam?"
The "correct" answer was true. If students chose to believe the unanimous word of scientists around the globe, believing in the danger of the virus, they would lose points on the assignment.
Several comments quickly emerged beneath the image, including one from a Texan healthcare worker.
"This is not acceptable. As a healthcare worker, this infuriates me."
Elizabeth Madrigal, the parent who posted the photo to Facebook, said that she was concerned the teacher "might be using his or her political opinions to spark debates on the virus."
"Had it been worded in a way that they could give their opinions and not be marked incorrect, it could have started a conversation that was relevant to today's news and been a great way to start the year in science class."
"It could have gauged the kids' understanding of the pandemic and really been a good opener to the science behind all of it."
Charles Allen, the principal of Pearland Junior High East, has said that the question was intended only to "spark a conversation." He issued a statement which stated:
"It was not to imply the virus is not serious or to make any political stance."
Twitter users were furious that a teacher was passing on to her students a distrust in the scientific process.
People are suffering from the virus all over the country, even if it hasn't affected this science teacher personally.
Private citizens can believe what they want to believe but school teachers are meant to teach their children to trust in data, observation, and the scientific process.
