Idaho teacher investigated for saying ‘vagina’ during biology lesson

A high school science teacher in Idaho is under investigation by the state’s professional standards commission because he reportedly used the word “vagina” during a biology lesson.

Tim McDaniel, who teaches 10th grade science at Dietrich School, told the Twin Falls Times-News that four parents were upset when they learned that his lesson included the word “vagina” and information about the biology behind female orgasm.

“I teach straight out of the textbook, I don’t include anything that the textbook doesn’t mention,” McDaniel remarked. “But I give every student the option not attend this class when I teach on the reproductive system if they don’t feel comfortable with the material.”

McDaniel said that he had never before received a complaint in the 18 years that he had taught science class at Dietrich School.[…]

Sixty-six percent of church goers in Lincoln County, where Dietrich is located, are affiliated with the Mormon LDS Church, according to 2002 Glenmary Research Center data.

“[T]here are a couple people in the community that are trying to get Mr. McDaniel fired for teaching the reproductive system, climate change, and several other science subjects,” students wrote. “All these subjects were taught from the book and in good taste. He cares for each of his students and goes the extra mile to help them all. Now is the time for us to help by supporting him!”

McDaniel acknowledged that he may have angered some parents by showing the film “An Inconvenient Truth” during a lesson about climate change.

He explained to the Times-News that students were asked to write a paper on their thoughts about climate change after seeing the film.

“I’m not looking for one answer, I just want them to be able to explain what they believe,” McDaniel said.

“This sort of thing makes you worry about what you teach,” he added. “That’s not right.

What is it with the word “vagina”? Why do wingnuts hate it so much? If you can’t even say the word, you shouldn’t be able to legislate it:

‘Vagina’ Is Too Lewd for Michigan State Republicans

Someone uttered the horribly offensive, borderline criminal V-word during a Michigan House of Representatives debate over an abortion bill. Which is to say, a woman said “vagina,” and now Republicans are mad about it.

During a debate over a package of abortion regulation bills, state Rep. Lisa Brown finished her remarks against the bills with, “Finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but ‘no’ means ‘no.’” The quote doesn’t seem wildly out of line. It’s reasoning we’ve come to expect from pro-choice lawmakers and advocates, but in Michigan it shocks and offends.

On Thursday, Brown and another female member of the House were blocked from participating in a House debate over an education bill because of remarks they made during the abortion debate. Rep. Mike Callton was offened by Brown’s choice of language. “What she said was offensive,” he said. “It was so offensive, I don’t even want to say it in front of women. I would not say that in mixed company.”

Brown, thankfully, responded beautifully. First, she pointed out that vagina is the “medically correct term” to use when referring to a woman’s, ahem, down there. Brown also took a wild leap in logic, asking, “If I can’t say the word vagina, why are we legislating vaginas?” Then she asked the question we’re wondering ourselves: “What language should I use?” What does Mike Callton say when he has to refer to a vagina?