Uproar after teachers choose student 'most likely to become a terrorist' in awards ceremony

Anthony Aguirre Junior High School, in Texas, has launched an investigation into the incident
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Tom Powell26 May 2017

School teachers have come under fire for naming the student “most likely to become a terrorist” in a mock awards ceremony.

Staff at the Texas school have been disciplined after the girl’s mother reacted with fury, saying the whole family had been hurt by the award.

Lizeth Villanueva, 13, was given the signed and dated certificate at Anthony Aguirre Junior High School in Houston.

She told KHOU: “[The teacher] said that some people might get offended, but she doesn't really care about our feelings. She was laughing about it.

“I do not feel comfortable with this... I do not feel comfortable being in the same classroom with [the teacher].”

Her mother Ena Hernandez added: “When [Lizeth] first showed me the paper, I'm like, ‘What is this?’ I read it again, and I'm like, ‘What is this?’

“That's when my daughter told me it was supposed to be a joke. It doesn't look like a joke to me.”

The principal reportedly personally apologised to the family as the school announced an investigation into the incident would be launched.

The school principal said: “Aguirre Administration would like to first of all apologise for the insensitive and fake mock awards that were given to students after the official school awards ceremony had concluded.

“As principal, I want to assure all students, parents, and community members that these award statements and ideals are NOT representative of the Aguirre vision, mission, and educational goals for its students.

"An investigation will be launched into these events.”

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