Stupidest Shithole in America: Dietrich, Idaho

By Michael J.W. Stickings

(It's our third entry in this new series. The first two were Nelson, Georgia and Mississippi.)

Maybe it's not fair to call a place a "shithole" simply because of the ignorant, moralizing stupidity of a few parents who object to the teaching of science and sex, but until this nonsense is done, this small "community with heart" in the south-central part of the state, roughly between Boise and Idaho Falls, qualifies for the title:

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."

Oh no! High school students learning about vaginas and orgasms! Ah, but no wonder: This is a part of the state with a heavy Mormon population. And of course Mormons have neither vaginas nor orgasms.

"[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!"

Well, the children are the future, and at least these nobly enlightenment-seeking examples of teendom don't want to live in a stupid shithole.

You're teaching them well, Mr. McDaniel.