I would certainly hope there is a lawsuit coming.

Talk about backwoods ignorance.

The outrageous thing is that many of these school administrators allow the MEAT INDUSTRY to come in and shill to students. As well as the hunting industry. Even the circus industry.

And other private, for-profit INDUSTRY.

Even the sled-dog business "sponsors" teachers to use school time to teach dog abuse to kids.

Posted by: kelly | September 7, 2007 04:57 PM

And the sick thing is, even the Federal government is addressing how unhealthy the school lunch menus are, and that they are overweighted with animal products thanks to advertising and promotion by the meat and dairy industries who get rich on our money.

While the kids get overweight and unhealthy.

Posted by: kelly | September 7, 2007 05:01 PM

That's insane! I thought students were supposed to learn while in school! Not be lied to about how animals are treated.

I wish I had an art teacher like Mr. Warwak.

Posted by: Iris | September 7, 2007 05:23 PM

As a small-town, Illinois native, i'm totally disturbed to hear that our kids are still being sheltered from learning about the horrors of factory farming. Growing up in a township not far from Fox River Grove, I'm disturbed to hear that our educators still think that ignorance is bliss.

Thank you, PETA, for helping spread the word. If it weren't for you, I'd still be living a life in that bubble of ignorance.

Posted by: Michelle | September 7, 2007 05:48 PM

Dave Warwak,
i admire your courage - what you did is just the beginning in our fight for eternal justice! These backminded rascals have to learn that they cannot go against time! i'm 100 pct behind you and booooooooooooo for fox river school! shame on them in wanting to hide the truth and mislead the youth! fascism shows it's teeth again!

Posted by: animalfriend | September 7, 2007 05:50 PM

One should never be reprimanded for telling the truth. Let's hope his students get behind him and force the issue. Brave Dave knows all of us support him. The principal, on the other hand, is a gutless puppet.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 7, 2007 05:57 PM

While I dont believe that speaking about being a vegan was wrong, I dont agree with a child being shown pics of factory farm animals in school. Some people, like me, believe that those kinds of graphic pics can be traumatic to some kids. Ive cried over many photos of those animals, and wouldnt want my child to be exposed to that unless I was the one showing them and discussing them.

Posted by: Andrea | September 7, 2007 06:15 PM

As a vegan teacher I always am careful when teaching about the meat and dairy killing industries. Because I teach history I connect their antics with propaganda. I like to quote also from the UN report in order to present an unbiased position and because the UN is respectable in the eyes of many. The killing animal industries get 100% time to spread their violent schemes but an ethical vegan teacher is given the boot. I commiserate with this man and wish him the very best. I hope he does not get fired!

In the school where I teach vegetarian options are offered to both students and teachers in their respective cafeterias; maybe one daily. two .

Posted by: Ana | September 7, 2007 06:22 PM

I will not even let my mom buy my cousin's 2 and 3 year olds one of those Fisher-Price Little People farm sets.

I tell her "farms are not like that anymore and that would be teaching them WRONG"!

Posted by: Tamara | September 7, 2007 06:29 PM

Wow, that really disturbs me. How could they FIRE someone who told the truth! If he was talking about somthing against the schools rules like weapons or somthing then I could understand, BUT HE GOT FIRED FOR TELLING THE TRUTH?!?!? Well, at least he impacted the kids(hopefully). I don't know and vegetarians except my cousin who lives half-way across the world, so that makes me happy to know that there are people using their position to influence others. I'm happy:)(not about the fact that he got sacked! That he told his class about it!)

Posted by: Luna | September 7, 2007 06:31 PM

That is utterly horrible that something like that happened in what should be a much more enlightened society!

PETA should start a "Save Dave" campaign (or something along those lines that is perhaps a little more creative) and raise awareness the way they did with the catchy "Sack Vick" campaign.

It is pretty ironic that schools are trying to introduce healthier food choices, yet this school gets rid of somebody who is educating children in a way that promotes healthier eating habits while addressing animal abuse at the same time.

Keep fighting Dave!

Posted by: Michele | September 7, 2007 06:44 PM

That's totally bizarre! I've always had art teachers with a slightly different way of thinking--it's like a requirement! They're the ones who got me into PETA and expressing myself without fear--heck, they're why I'm going into graphic design...
And now one man has been disciplined for continuing on the hallowed art teacher path and opening peoples eyes to the truth!? I think a lawsuit is a good idea--isn't America about freedom of speech, idea, thought, and stuff?

Posted by: Sophia | September 7, 2007 06:46 PM

What happened to free expression? What happened to the first amendment? He simply showed the truth and that is what got him in trouble. Ever notice how ignorance is rewarded these days? you have people like Ann coultier telling lies as if it were fact, but tell the truth and it's grounds for dismissal. It's time we all start standing up to this kind of stuff. I applaud Mr Warwak for having the courage to show his students the truth. I hope he sues the pants of off them.

Posted by: Tina | September 7, 2007 06:56 PM

Get ahold of the ACLU right away.
ACLU.org
Please do it now.
Judith

Posted by: Judith, Freedom Fighter | September 7, 2007 07:02 PM

Based on what we're hearing here, he didn't do ANYTHING wrong. Ugh. I wonder how the whole thing came out. Did some deluded student whine about it to authority or what?

Also, I've found some of his art on the web and he's very talented, so the school would really be stupid to fire him over this.

Posted by: Canaduck | September 7, 2007 07:14 PM

I just read about it in the local paper. I guess the schools want the kids brainwashed by the meat and dairy industries.

Posted by: nancy williams | September 7, 2007 07:19 PM

You folks just don't get it do you? This isn't about free speech or education. It's about wrongly proselytizing an ideology to children without their parents consent. If anyone would engage in this kind of proselytizing in the workplace, they would rightfully be disciplined for harassment and creating a hostile work environment. Creating a hostile learning environment should be no different, and that's exactly what this guy is doing. He is abusing his position as a teacher by using it as a bully pulpit from which to pontificate his own personal views. Furthermore, this guy is paid to be an art teacher. When he proselytizes about veganism to his students instead of teaching them art, he is failing in his job duties, and wasting the students' time and the taxpayers' money. Your disingenuous, shrill outrage about this shows your inability to see this issue for what it is and really makes you look foolish.

Posted by: GrizzlyBear | September 7, 2007 07:36 PM

I cannot believe what im reading, he was sacked for educating kids!, what ever happened to freedom of speech and teachers expanding kids minds. Going vegan is a choice everyone should be able to make, but without knowing the facts how are kids ment to chose. What the school did to Dave is so unjust.

Posted by: diane | September 7, 2007 08:37 PM

How many of you have actually been on the average beef or dairy farm? you make us look like monsters for being perfectly kind to animals. And about the "Bambi Butchers," have you ever seen a deer get killed in the wild by a wolf. Im sure they would prefer getting butchered

Posted by: Seth | September 7, 2007 11:55 PM

It's amazing how many people believe that meat should be part of a daily healthy life.

Me and my brother have been vegetarians for most of our lives. I think I ate meat for about one year, when I was 3. When the parents made you eat what was on the plate, but I never liked the taste. Neither did I appreciate that I should have eaten an animal. Anyways, both my brother and I are athletes, both at a relatively high level. He just competed at the World University game for the National Swim Team, I'm a competitive triathlete.

It's amazing that Fox River Middle School dismissed Mr. Warwak. The principle and the entire school board should be ashamed for this decision. As long as Mr. Warwak didn't force his class to become Vegan, there is absolutely nothing wrong with presenting those facts to those kids. Educate them about facts and then they can think and make a decision for themselves. That is, unless the school is the wrong place to learn and think.

Posted by: Daniel De Carolis | September 8, 2007 12:24 AM

Mr. Warwak needs our support! The school SHOULD take him back!

Posted by: Niranjan | September 8, 2007 01:43 AM

GrizzlyBear:
your name is obviously more nice than your person - i would say that in your pelt there is some kind of a stroppy steve! hm....

anyhow it's exactly as you say that the 'machine' of distruction is working - protected by the so-called law! this is a rascal law and it is the duty of every human being with a character to stand up against it! also by risking to be fired or put to prison because these are laws made by rascals and not laws made by GOD! Killing and torturing animals are just the symptom of a putrified corrupt system which has arrived at the end of the line! this western so-called 'culture' is the end of a millions of years old decline of history! from your reaction i can see your complete blindness and injustice and uneducated situation! it's you who looks foolish - indeed! go to study the vedas, puranas, itihasas, the bhagavad-gita, the bramha samhita, the ramayana, the mahabharata, the srimad-bhagavatam and the sri caitanya caritamrita and then come back again! the poor lampoons of some college or church don't do it - i'm sorry!

Posted by: Little Drummer Boy | September 8, 2007 08:31 AM

To Andrea -
To object to a child being shown pictures of factory farmed animals is wrong? I don't think so. It's not wrong to tell children the truth. What IS wrong is the meat industry's constant barrage of ads on television shows for kids, and the ads by Oscar Meyer, and the ads by Wendy's showing a cop in red braids (?) apprehending a fleeing chicken,(the next photo being that chicken, presumably, as a cutlet), and ads that show happy little piggies vying to be someone's dinner. It's OK to indoctrinate a child to believe that it's fine to take a life for dinner, but not OK to show what life is REALLY like for millions of animal rasied for food? You have your priorities mixed up, in my opinion.
Why is this teacher being accused of "indoctrinating" but the meat and dairy industry's daily in-your-face propoganda on TV is OK? It doesn't make sense!

Posted by: Susannah S | September 8, 2007 09:31 AM

As much as I DO wish everyone would become vegan, I actually agree with the school. Teachers should NOT be trying to push their personal beliefs on students. Teenages aren't stupid, and they can make that choice for themselves.

Posted by: Maddie | September 8, 2007 09:40 AM

i want to know what that principal said after that letter. at my school canteen, they dont serve anything vegetarian, not even salad rolls or anything (they all have chicken or ham).
these students should here about it. none of the students in my class knew about any of the cuelty in factory farming, so thats why im doing a presentation on it in Sose. It will be interesting to see the outcome

Posted by: Ferretboy | September 8, 2007 11:07 AM

I read the article and although I do not agree with this guy, I certainly do not see where he did anything wrong. I do feel it is a bit hard to make a judgment without being in the situation but it does not seem as though he was trying to push what he believes on them. In the memo that he provided it stated that if he is asked not to discuss his beliefs with another, they would like him to honor it. Does this mean he has done that in the past? It sounds more to me like he was simply letting them know there is material available for what he feels is a healthier diet, but as I said - for me - it is hard to tell without being present. (by the way, that book - CD - looks interesting and I might be interested in ordering that for myself). I want to know the same thing Canaduck asked, exactly what happened, did some kid complain?

Posted by: sherri | September 8, 2007 11:09 AM

That something like this could happen shows us that we are really living in the darkest of dark ages! For trying to educate the students a teacher is punished! What he should have told them: go - slaughter innocent beings and swallow their dead corpses and you shall always be in good health and wise! but then they should also make school organized excursions to slaughter-houses in order to show the massacre to the children! but these cowardly bastards don't do this because they know that this would have the same result as when dave started to educate them! Shame on this school, shame on this director! This is the today's education: always one foot in the door of a bloody profit industry! But you have to know this: As long as there are slaughterhouses there shall be battlefields! - Leo Tolstoi

Posted by: Fernando Rojas | September 8, 2007 11:53 AM

Grizzly,
Educators bring their personal ideas to the classroom all the time. They talk about the importance of treating each other fairly, respecting the environment, or taking a stand against the wrongs of the world. They reveal objective truths about political, economic, and biological processes governing the human and natural worlds.

Above all, teachers fulfilling their purpose inculcate in their students the very idea that independent, informed, analytical thinking forms the foundation of a democratic government which too many of us take for granted. The best teachers understand that teaching is not a compartmentalized process. An art teacher should not be limited to showing a student how to hold a paint brush any more than a biology teacher should be limited to disseminating facts concerning the ecology of oceans. The best art teachers encourage students to find their own way of seeing the world, just as the best biology teachers encourage a reverence for the oceans and a desire to protect them.

No one should be threatened "ideologically" about the incontrovertible facts surrounding factory farming--they simply are what they are. Our democratic ideals are founded upon the principle of freedom to decide personally and collectively courses of action based upon the facts. No doubt Mr. Warwak converted some students that day, as he likewise failed to move others to change --that's just the way democracy works. That democracy depends on the free exchange of ideas is a fundamental principle of the democratic process!

Posted by: Lisa Byrne | September 8, 2007 12:23 PM

Hey GrizzlyBear~ I think it is you who doesn't get it. Talking about being compassionate towards animals can create a "hostile environment"? Please.
He is a teacher. I don't know about you, but I had a few good teachers who also occasionally shared some of their passions that were not related to the class. It was a way for them to let us know who they were outside of the class, and it sometimes also gave some of us different things to think about and/or explore. I guess the TRUTH just scares the heck out of some people. Until GrizzlyBear's post, I didn't see anyone here looking 'foolish'.

Posted by: Marie | September 8, 2007 12:55 PM

Let me get this straight:

To "proselytize" about making compassionate choices that extend to animals is wrong. To educate students about veganism is wrong.

But the religious conservative view of "abstinence-only" education is freely taught at schools in my home state of Texas, and that is okay??? Putting teenagers at risk of an unwanted pregnancy in an effort to teach them that sex is bad?

Homeschool really is the answer!

Posted by: Soli | September 8, 2007 03:27 PM

To Susannah-
I understand where you are coming from, but still stand by what I said. Those kinds of photos do not belong in school.

Posted by: Andrea | September 8, 2007 03:53 PM

To Lisa:

I would certainly agree with you that students should be encouraged to think independently. But that's not what this guy is doing. He is presenting one side of an issue ( animal rights and veganism ) in order to win converts to his personal cause. That's not education, it's proselytizing and social engineering. Now, if the school were to offer a course on "The philosophy of animal rights" in which both sides of a complex issue are presented fairly and equitably, and students were encouraged to analyze and debate the issue, and then decide for themselves what their position is, then that would be education and it would be encouraging students to form independent, informed opinions about an issue. But that is not what is going on in this school. What Mr. Warwak is doing is evangelism and indoctrination, pure and simple.

To Marie:

Mr. Warwak isn't just facilitating a discussion or debate about the issue of being compassionate towards animals. He is actively trying to win converts to a philosophy, an ideology, and a way of life. You're being highly disingenuous by suggesting otherwise and I think you know it. And yes, such evangelism does create a hostile environment whether it be in the workplace or in the school. Unsolicited, unwanted proselytizing always does. If he were trying to win converts to Christianity, Islam, Hinudism, Wicca, creationism, Scientology, socialism, conservatism,liberalism, or any other religion or philosophy in the classroom, would that not be considered creating a hostile environment? Of course it would be. Why should veganism be any different? It shouldn't be and it isn't.

To Little Drummer Boy:

Your raising the issue of laws coming from "god" is fallacious and a non-sequitor. What proof can you offer that laws come from any particular "god"?

Posted by: Anonymous | September 8, 2007 03:57 PM

Thank you, Lisa Byrne, for an enlightened view of education. I only wish more teachers would see the big picture, rather than staying in their little boxes (all made of ticky-tacky, all just the same). Mr. Warwak could inspiere some truly great art with his food project: I'm picturing some shocking paintings that force you to think about what you are eating, instead of the industry-backed version of serenity on the family farm.

Posted by: Steve | September 8, 2007 05:46 PM

I'm sorry, but this is a totally different kind of pressure - from adults, whom these children cannot talk back to or argue with. He was forcing onto them, a form of belief that may not be their own. He is putting them through their paces. /IF/ his class was more closely linked to this, it would not be such a big deal. Though, these children are in middle-school. Enough identity crisis to deal with as it is, as well as conflicting ideas from parents and now teachers?! They should be allowed to find out about this at their own pace, instead of being throttled with the preaching of an educational figure.

I know this will be met with people who will harp, scream and insult. There is nothing wrong with learning of the truths - but in a different way than "BE VEGANVEGANVEGAN". Let them come to the decision alone.

Would you want a teacher oppressing your children with a religion other than the one they were brought up with? I doubt it. Do not decide that your way of thinking is correct and another's is not. This will not help, merely antagonise, and you're goals will not be reached but opposed more strongly.

Posted by: Christina | September 8, 2007 05:59 PM

The principal was wrong to discipline Dave Warwak for talking about the meat industry.

Dave was in the right to talk to his students about the meat industry. Young children need to be educated on what the meat industry does.

This reminds me of the teacher in Bloomington, Indiana who was disciplined for talking to her students about anti-war protests. You cannot talk about what you want in the schools anymore and that is wrong.

Your freedom of speech rights do not end at the school gates.

I hope that Dave files a federal lawsuit against the school for violating his free speech rights.

Posted by: Brandon Harris | September 8, 2007 07:31 PM

Hunters and hunting lobbies have been allowed into schools to talk about and promote maiming and killing animals

(they leave out the parts about getting drunk and breaking laws and shooting their buddies)

But I guess for this hick school principal that's OK?

Posted by: kelly | September 8, 2007 09:08 PM

Just because Mr. Warwak chose to share his reasons for adopting a vegan diet with his students, while arming them with good information with which they can avail themselves if they so choose, doesn't necessarily mean that he was trying to indoctrinate them or coerce them by making their grade(s) dependent upon their acceptance or rejection of his views. I suppose this case illustrates that the old saying, "...the truth shall set you free," doesn't, in the eyes of his boss, mean the sense of empowerment and edification that results from a well-rounded education based on the facts as we know them, but rather upon one's adherence to the corporate agenda- amongst other things. You would think that the firing of a teacher for doing his job well, (the nerve of him!), would come to be seen as one more indicator of what is going wrong in America.

Posted by: David Tremain | September 8, 2007 11:17 PM

Why is it wrong to give kids the facts and ok to tell kids lies? People need to know the facts and not the lies of the meat and dariy industry. Why is the simply fact that milk is for calfs just like brest milk is for a baby?

Posted by: Michelle | September 9, 2007 12:26 AM

to Anonymous:
first of all i don't bring god into play but i clearly say that human laws are not made by any god! this means it's not bona fide what humans are telling (if you know what this means)! you are right in saying that it's wrong to bring any ideology into classroom! but please in this case the school kitchens should not serve meat because this is already a fascist indoctrination! if i send my child to school it has not to be infiltrated with this stuff - do you understand! so your writing and blogging anonymous shows me directly that you are from some indoctrination lobby yourself! why are you on this blog - what are you doing here? western indoctrination and behaviour is not at all a good example for the youth in general! they think themselves the top of everything but unfortunately there isn't anything to be proud of and killing animals is wrong in every way and every child has the right to see things also from this point of view! animals are not here just because people like you are in some meat-lobby or slaves of their stomach! every living being is a wonder on earth and created by a loving intelligence - whom i call god! if you are an atheist so be it - but this doesn't give you the right of any kind of abuse! and dave does not want to win people for his personal cause: we here are fighting against animal cruelty - if you anonymous freak don't want to know what this is shut up! you have no idea of real culture, education and love!!!!!!!!! go to read first the books which i enumerated above and then come back - you ignorant, mean person!

The one who wants that the earth remains like she is doesn't want that she remains! don't worry - i recognize the enemy! rest in peace +

Posted by: Little Drummer Boy | September 9, 2007 12:55 PM

Once again for all the animal haters on this blog: what dave warwak did is right! animals are not ours to be abused and killed!

IT WAS RIGHT WHAT YOU DID - DAVE - I'M WITH YOU!!!

If because of this situation you are in a difficulty - no job, apartment etc. - please ask peta to give you my e-mail address! you and if you have a family - are welcome in my home! solidarity!

Posted by: RAGE AGAINST RASCALS | September 9, 2007 01:03 PM

I would like to know WHAT, in terms of action, is being done to support Mr. Warwak. ALMOST all of us know that this action on the part of the school system is unfair, but what can we do to help? Any ideas??????
Has PETA actually heard from Mr. Warwak?
This attitude on behalf of the school system reminds me of the US government's ban on showing photos of the soldier's flag draped coffins returning from Iraq. I guess they believe that if you ignore it long enough , the reality doesn't exist. It also calls to mind the lawsuit against Oprah for simply stating that she wouldn't eat another hamburger. What on earth is happening in this country??????

Posted by: Randy | September 9, 2007 02:06 PM

To Anonymous and Christina,

Introducing a course, "The Philosophy of Animal Rights" in a public school? It couldn't happen because it falls out of the realm of a "Back to Basics" approach, the darling of the educational establishment. So it is left up to individuals to present the facts as they are when the opportunity arises.

Besides, as I've said in my previous post, education should not be considered a compartmentalized process, as we do not learn life's lessons in tidy compartments. We become who we are on a meandering, bumpy path, making choices based sometimes on the careful teaching of adults, but more often than not by the unpredictable encounters with a world of ideas. We are barraged with all kinds of information and messages as we mature and ultimately decide parallel courses of action. Mr. Warwak's teaching exemplifies just one way we learn to become who we are by the choices we make--through the often accidental exposure to a plurality of ideas. You have no evidence that Mr. Warwak was "forcing" his ideas on his students. That is a ridiculous assertion. Even presuming that he passionately expressed his opinions while stating the facts does not necessarily translate into his withholding deserved grades or otherwise treating his students inequitably. Expressing personal philosophies is not proselytizing, but it is fine if you insist on calling it that, after all, isn't it obvious that the incessant stream of KFC's "A man's chicken", McDonald's "I'm Lovin' It", and Wendy's red-haired cop in braids chasing a car-driving chicken is its own form of proselytization?

Moreover, even if Mr. Warwak had stated in no uncertain terms that everyone should be vegan, no analogy can be made to telling students that they should believe in Jesus as the savior of mankind, follow the path of Buddha, or blow themselves up for Allah. Religion is based on belief and faith in the unknown. Veganism is a choice based, if not on hard facts concerning the environment, animal cruelty, and human health, on that which comes the closest to them.

Posted by: Lisa Byrne | September 9, 2007 02:32 PM

to Anonymous:
'why should veganism be any different? It shouldn't be and it isn't'

Why should non-veganism be any different? It shouldn't be and it isn't!

Consumer-Lobby shut your big mouth!

Posted by: Old Spiderwoman | September 9, 2007 02:33 PM

These students are in Grade 8. They are certainly old enough to think and decide for themselves. They've had the meat and dairy industries' slant on it their whole lives. Time to see the other side. If you eat meat, you should learn where it comes from and how it is produced. Maybe the shock, shame, horror and revulsion some people feel viewing slaughterhouse footage is trying to tell them something.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 9, 2007 03:32 PM

Christina, so is it still okay for Big Business to "pressure" children into eating junk food? Advertisements, repeatedly shown to children (not just on tv anymore, now it's in movie theatres too!) about Frosted Flakes, "Fruit" roll-ups, sugary chewing gum, etc, etc, are created by adults whose only vested interest is in getting people to buy their products. These companies pay grocery stores for product "placement" so that their products get displayed the most prominently on the shelves - of course so that the children can easily see the stuff. Schools, run by ADULTS, allow companies to have vending machines full of soda pop, chips, and other crap.

So don't give us that nonsense about Dave Warwak's teachings being about inappropriately pressuring these youths into going vegan. How exactly are they supposed to find out the truth if it is constantly covered up???? If the children are shown REAL images, not just the phony, so-called "idyllic" farm life with which they currently get bombarded, THEN they can decide based on what they see.

Posted by: Michele | September 9, 2007 05:00 PM

Dear Dave Warwak:
You are my hero for speaking out and standing up for what you believe in. It is people like you who change the world and make it a wiser, more compassionate place.

You were not preaching hatred or intolerance but compassion, and merely showing the truth available on thousands of websites and in bookstores. What could be wrong with revealing the truth and teaching compassion?

Eighth-graders are what, about 13 years old? These are not naive children. Parents who try to "protect" their teenagers from the harsh realities of the world only do them a great disservice.

I wish I'd had a teacher who had told me the truth about animal cruelty in the food industry and its deleterious effect on our health, the environment and society; it took me years to find this out for myself and now I am a more compassionate and healthier person.

I also enjoyed looking at your art page. It is clear that you are a visionary with a strong mind and a unique way of seeing things.

May you continue to spread the truth about animal cruelty and fight against this personal injustice. We not only need more teachers like you but more people like you in this world. You've got a lot of supporters behind you.

Sincerely,
Andi Hayes

Posted by: Andi | September 9, 2007 05:28 PM

Kelly -
Illinois isn't exactly "hick" country. Chicago, for example, is in Illinois.
The dismissal of this teacher wasn't because his boss is a hick, but because Dave Warwak was showing middle-school kids something outside of the mainstream point of view. Since the teacher is a vegan, it could be said that he's trying to make "converts",I suppose, and I would guess that he would be pleased if he did. But can it also be conceded that "the mainstream" can't tolerate any viewpoint outside its own definitions, the mainstream in this case being meat-eaters? No matter WHAT viewpoint one espouses, though, should this man lose his JOB because he presented an alternative viewpoint for consideration? I think it was brave of Dave Warwak to show the kids pictures of factory farming and I think it's wrong for the school to have fired him for doing so.
The last time I looked, this is still America where alternate viewpoints can still be shared, even in the classroom. No?
Andrea, one more question: would you have middle school kids not see pictures of the Nazi holocaust because they're too graphic? Would you have pictures of the early Civil Rights movement (complete with lynchings) deleted from the curriculum for being too graphic? These are MIDDLE school kids, not elementary age kids; they have seen more graphic material in their video games than what Mr. Warwak presented! It seems to me that when people get upset over the videos of the factory farms, what they're really upset about is their own complicity in perpetuating this horror show. If Mr. Warwak's videos made ONE kid re-think his/her position on eating meat it's that much more positive for the animals, for that kid's health, and for the planet. This teacher should be fired? For what, exactly?

Posted by: Susannah S | September 9, 2007 05:32 PM

And how do you feel about religion being taught in public schools? This is one in the same.

Posted by: Me-ow | September 9, 2007 05:38 PM

My 5th and 8th graders have Mr. Warwak for art class this year. He didn't just "share" his views; we aren't rednecks here. And no industry reps of any kind come in to talk to the students. Mr. Warwak literally refused to teach art. He admits he can't teach art anymore because he is unable to stop talking about "what's happening to the animals." If you have the courage to post my comments about the truth of Mr. Warwak's actions, it'll really enhance your credibility.

Posted by: Cindy Pilz | September 9, 2007 10:35 PM

Anonomous:
I wish to point out that we represent one view, and that we feel our view is right. We have studied the facts and come to our conclusion. You have your conclusion--and you represent it as well. The representation of our two sides brings to life Myphystus' quote:
"There are three sides to every story: your version, my version, and the truth-and none of them are lies."
To fire a teacher for offering his students a way to see his version of a story was wrong--and that is our opinion. If you don't agree, it's okay--we're not trying to force anything on anybody.

Posted by: Sophia | September 10, 2007 08:31 AM

I am currently reading this book by John Robbins, and would recommend everyone read it!!! I became a vegetarian only 3 months ago, and now am working toward becoming a vegan. my main incentive at first was the cruelty to animals as I began to read books such as Howard Lymans "Mad Cowboy", and Gail Eisnitz's "Slaughterhouse" I came to see things in a much different light. I found out that the conditions in slaughterhouses are far worse than the mind can imagine, the USDA is a joke, The FDA is not much better, I found out that The meat and dairy industries have more laws to protect them than we ever will just ask Oprah.. I found out that the majority of the problems in this world are meat and dairy caused. I found out that the meat and dairy industries will go to no end to stop bad press about meat and dairy. If you are still a meat eater and consume dairy on a daily basis you are just playing Russian roulette!! It is not about if you will get sick from meat and dairy products anymore it is a simple matter of when you will. It is sad when other countries take more time and money to protect their citizens, and our county spends billions to contaminate us. Other countries work hard to enforce a humane treatment of animals we on the other hand have a humane treatment of farm animals act that is never enforced it is only on paper to make the American people feel better about eating meat or consuming dairy. It is sick when our laws go more to protect the greedy at the United States citizens expense.
Most people do not want to think that their could be anything wrong with the meat the consume, and would rather not hear any doubt that it may. Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to meat and dairy anymore what you don’t know can kill you!!! I think that most of comfortable living in their little world where on TV the commercials of the Cows are always running free... Have you ever noticed that most commercials now use cartoons to get their points across...why not show the real thing why not show how Cows, Pigs, and Poultry are really kept I promise you people would thing twice about the meat they eat..........

Posted by: Dana | September 10, 2007 09:06 AM

That is stupid, why would you "fire" a teacher for that when a student can't get suspended for doing the same thing. I showed my class in senior year on how animals are used for entertainment, clothing, experiments, and food. They all paid attention but of course there's always an ignorant.

Posted by: Marisela | September 10, 2007 10:08 AM

I hate to play the devil's advocate on this one but as a middle school teacher, I can understand what the school is going through. You have no idea whatsoever what parents are like when "controversial" subject matter is discussed. In our school, all hell broke loose over one teacher having their students do an essay over whether or not elephants should be used in circuses. The superintendant was called, lawyers, etc. The parent said we were shoving "our liberal ideology down his daughter's throat." It is not so easy for a school to "defend" teachers when they express personal opinions. I personally use opportunites to express my views to students as often as I can but I cannot make it part of my curriculum. The only way that can be done is if it is a social problems class or something that is open to debate and discussion. You have to remember, most of the world's population still eats meat and they do not want to hear or see the ugliness of the meat industry. Some are just not ready and then the parents feel like their kids have been traumatized. It is like walking on thin ice. However, on a positive note, more and more young teenagers are converting to vegetarianism and veganism on their own without any adult help. Meat eating is on the way out. It will take a while, but it will be gone. "The time will come when men such as I look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men." Leonardi Di Vinci.

Posted by: Loriel | September 10, 2007 10:32 AM

Why is it ok for a teacher to push his views on the meat industry in a PUBLIC school but it is not ok for a teacher to lead the class in prayer or discuss their religous views? It is NOT ok for a teacher to use his class room as a medium to further his or your organizations agenda. I have nothing against vegans,however I do have a problem with the methods PETA uses to obtain publicity to further their left wing agenda.

Posted by: mike | September 10, 2007 11:17 AM

There is so much more to this than what’s being discussed. I will do my best to keep this short.

Back in the early 20th century a teacher took advantage of his position to teach Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, where the “God Created Man” version of history was the norm. Most everybody accepted this view and didn’t know any better. Not until this teacher came along. What happened to this teacher? He was fired and taken to court for punishment.

Since then, many other teachers have taken a stand against the school agenda in order to teach the truth to students. It took a while for teachers to come out and teach the students about the Holocaust.

My point is that this is nothing new. It’s been going on for a long time and it’s been because of forward thinkers that we now know more about life.

So much is still not taught in school. Facts are distorted and important lessons are left out.

I lived in Canada for awhile and many of my friends thought Americans were stupid. Why? I told them that Americans do not get the full spectrum of education.

These administrators are contributing to the ignorance to this country by having the teachers stick to a tight agenda. They are denying our youth of a full education.

They need to create more programs to teach more than just the basics. They need to take the state of this world into consideration – environment, animal rights, human rights, etc.

We live in a democratic dictatorship not a democracy. We need to move towards a true democracy and it’s up to the forward thinkers, like Dave Warwak, to break through the wall. If we can’t break through the wall, than our youth will be without a future.

Keep the truth alive!

Posted by: EAS | September 10, 2007 01:28 PM

I think it is very sad what happened to Mr. Dave Warwak. This is just a prime example of not only ignorance but facism. I'm sure anyone who is a crusader for truth and justice in this world is behind this man and what he stands for. When I was a freshman in college i did a speech on the meat and fur industry. I also had a video component (thanks PETA:). Even though I received an A on my speech I was verbally reprimanded by my professor (who by the way is a REVEREND) for my topic choice. Not only did I find it ridiculous, but it just goes to show that for most people IGNORANCE IS BLISS.

Posted by: Pamia | September 10, 2007 03:50 PM

Although I do not agree with showing children violent photos of animals being slaughtered, I am in favor of vegetarian education. I wish someone would have educated me earlier about vegetarianism. I believe we need to stop obesity and heart disease, among other diseases, early on.
I once had a college professor for anatomy and physiology who told us that vegetarians were crazy due to their lack of protein and B12. Everyone laughed but me. This type of slander is acceptable, but when the tables are turned and meat eaters are mocked it isn't very funny. Nothing was said to the professor and he later apologized to me while smirking. This was the only time I ever heard the word vegetarian used in a college classroom and it was in negative context. My dogs are both vegetarians and my children will be vegetarians (if I ever have any) and I can only hope that they have a vegetarian teacher to look up to, like Mr. Warwak, as I never did. Keep fighting!

Posted by: josey | September 10, 2007 05:19 PM

I sent Mr. Mahaffy an email stating my concern of his decision. Here's the address if you want to do the same!

mahaffyt@dist3.org

Posted by: Russell | September 10, 2007 05:33 PM

and if i go to a classroom and preach about god or satan i would be fired. you cannot show grafic photos and preach your beliefs without punishment he could have caused pyscilogical damages to a child and if it where one of your kids that got scared from it you would sew him for monies for damages and you all know it. if it where my child i would sew!!!

Posted by: Anonymous | September 10, 2007 08:18 PM

People who eat meat regularly at risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other health problems.

A vegetarian diet is better because you do not suffer from high cholesterol, obesity, diabetes or any other health problems.

I think more teachers should speak up about the meat industry.

Schools do not provide healthy meals to their students to begin with and they have junk food and soda machines throughout the school.

The schools should provide more nutritious and healthy meals to students and do away with the junk food and soda machines.

Posted by: Brandon Harris | September 10, 2007 08:31 PM

The world's longest rant-paragraph
When someone says What Mr. Warwak is doing is evangelism and indoctrination - - I think what weird stuff - pure and simple, why do we even entertain such thoughts? Were you in the room? I told them not to believe me. I just wanted to show them a different way. How come these same people are not smearing the real indoctrinators like the meat and dairy and our evil, tow-the-line administrations in Public Schools - blowing off their duties. A lot of people accusing me of brainwashing or what ever are going to feel real gullible when they find the truth - the teachers do everything they can and still walk the tight line. I went outside their line to see how far I could go. Not very far as you can see. However, now the truth has set us free even though I no longer teach there, it was never about me. It was them. And if you care to see how evil and widespread this bust is - go to my web - Schools in Illinois must start enforcing teachers to teach Humane Education as a foundation to link, give meaning, and worth to all disciplines so the student gets it. No more, why do we need to know this? Everything relates to their world here and now - and believe me, it matters to them. In addition, there is no earthly reason to cry about any aspect of Humane Education – These are not my personal beliefs and all my students know first hand not to believe anything I say, because many times I tell them falsehoods as a test, to see if they can be fooled. My students appreciate learning how to see/view (I teach art) the real world and how to disseminate meaning and intent. You are moaning so loudly at me for indoctrination, Can’t you see the Milk Mustache posters hanging in every generations face ---- all because administrators are afraid of change – i.e.; Humane Education = Veganism = look it up, you tell me why Admin’s are purposefully blowing off Illinois State Code and then going out of their way to impose their religious views on policies that stress conformity at such great lengths to suppress and smear – to them, change=work
Apathy and ignorance in charge all over the state of Illinois and most likely the country – Ignoring Illinois directives just leads to more school shootings and of course more daily servings of sleuth remnants covered in sugary glaze slapped on a plastic tray and sent on their way. Then we wonder why the low-income child is disrespectful after lunch. In addition, ignorance and apathy cannot handle any sort of work, so they recommend meds –score - more money for Pharm, Doc, Meat, and Dairy. What a beautiful machine they have devised. And so it goes, young Stephan, who weighs 300 lbs, sets his plastic lunch tray down, loaded with three thousand different animal parts and other misc nasties all shaped into three glossy, sweet smelling ribbwiches, looks over his shoulder and pulls out a gun and starts shooting – and everyone is mad at me just for mentioning something that is different. I say the more kids that know; the faster this world will change. Wherever you are, go tell a kid to go look up factory farming on the web. As soon as they are able to pick up a fork - after all, what are you hiding and why would you want to continue hiding it – that is pure evil. Oh, I forgot, you wanted me to accept your rational to respect their decision even though it is wrong and then that same doofus claims the child is too young to make the correct decision and how dare you show those things. Stop all the whining. Schools all across Illinois and the country for that matter are snuggling up real nice and tight with meat and dairy and will resist change as I just showed. This is the thing I am fighting. Hereditary Ignorance – stop playing by their rules – it is not their game – do not buy into it. Just imagine what a beautiful world it would be if we told all the kids. – I have to go cry now – back - They deserve what we deserved. I am mad that I am a product of Illinois Schools and I never had any Humane Education in my 44 years and when I found it on my own and I wonder why I did not see it. Now I see why, and I get even more mad and then I see this killing machine in motion with all its systems in place and I fight it to find – it is a weak and lazy opponent in reality – the truth is out and now I am going to press it – how can this go on?
Warwak
ps; I LOVE PETA

Posted by: Warwak | September 11, 2007 01:01 AM

Well we don't know how he went about his teachings.

If it was thrust upon his students instead of giving an unbiased balanced view, that has no place in a classroom.

Teaching about things that might have changed your life is one thing, showing disturbing visuals likely to upset young students unable to rationalise or take a view point is another. Otherwise it's not teaching.

I wouldn't expect a certain teacher to try and get me to convert to a different lifestyle.

If he was expressing a viewpoint though, he can feel very let down by the education system that has got him the sack.

What class was he teaching that enabled him to lecture about animal abuse and factory farming?

Posted by: Paul | September 11, 2007 09:05 AM

Sorry I just read that he is an Art teacher, perhaps he got sacked for not doing his job.

Posted by: Paul | September 11, 2007 09:17 AM

My children both attend that school , where he teaches ART . Have you ever seen a kid who wants to be a vegan yet is starving themselves bcause they dont know what to eat or use it as a excuse to be anorexic???? Obviosly you dont have the story right. theres more here than you seem to know about, im not saying anthing bad about Peta , but they arent getting the big picture here !!
Its not his JOB period !!!

Posted by: therese | September 11, 2007 02:02 PM

The truth is the teacher had no right to preach about his beliefs to a captured audience who did not have any choice about whether they wanted to listen to him or not. Where is freedom of choice. Oh yes, I forgot - you and your kind don't believe in choice if it means going against what you believe in.

Posted by: Darkwater | September 11, 2007 02:41 PM

Therese- it's not teachers' job to handle child abuse cases either... so to all you teachers out there- if a student approaches you and wants to talk about the abuse they're enduring at home- please avoid the fate of Mr. Warwak and simply say "this isn't part of my job" and close the door. I think this lack of concern is just what we need in our education system. Thanks therese for the words of wisdom.... NOT you and your kids would benfit GREATLY if you would just shut up and listen to what Warwak had to say- you just like being in the dark. YOu may not know it- but it's true watch Meet Your Meat...think about it- show your kids. Tell your children the truth. THAT'S YOUR JOB AS A PARENT

Posted by: Russell | September 11, 2007 03:33 PM

Therese, people don't become anorexic because they are vegan. They become anorexic due to mental illness/eating disorders, but may cite veganism to mask their real problem.

There is a ton of vegan information on the net, or the book "Becoming Vegan" is an excellent primer to healthy veganism.

Posted by: Mike Quinoa | September 11, 2007 03:44 PM

therese

As a mother I understand your position and concern for your childrens' health. But it is the responsibility of the education system to provide alternative flesh-free meals for all students. The fact that your children have decided to become vegan for ethical reasons is honorable. But there are religious reasons why students eat vegetarian also. The school system where I work as a HS teacher provides veggie options daily. Please notify your concerns to the education system. Schools are attempting to introduce "more" healthy options to kids in school. Fried flesh and hamburgers and dairy products are not healthy; they contribute to restlessness, diabetes and obesity. The late Dr. Spock advised parents to give children a plant-based diet because it is a healthy one. Spock also wrote about the horrors of drinking milk. The meat & dairy industry is only concerned with making $$$ money, it is not concerned with healthy food choices for anyone.

WARWAK

As a HS teacher I really applaud your efforts and integrity. Also, eating a non-violent diet may help to eliminate much of the violence that goes on in public schools daily both to students and teachers.

Posted by: Ana | September 11, 2007 04:11 PM

WHY WAS HE NOT TEACHING ART?
IT SEEMS THE PRINCIPAL WAS ONLY DOING HIS JOB. WAKE UP SHOWING A MEAT FACTORY DURING ART CLASS DOESN'T CUT IT.

Posted by: JOE | September 11, 2007 04:27 PM

russell hello moral ethics not beliefs you belive hunting is cruel others as part of life eating and not eating meat is a belief abuse is a serious legal issue. if a child comes to you and says there abused and you do nothing your guilty. if i go to a classroom and preach of christ or demonolgy i have overstepped my boundry the same is with vegans it is a belief and i am sorry to hear he lost his job but at the same time you cant force a belief on others in a public classroom!!!

Posted by: Anonymous | September 11, 2007 06:38 PM

Mr. Warwak
You do nothing to answer any of the arguments raised against you in your rambling, borderline incoherent little screed. You offer nothing but strawman arguments and red herrings intended to distract from the real issues that were raised. Instead of continuing to ramble like a fool, would you care to actually address the issues of parental consent and the insubordination with which you are charged, sir? You claim you are not proselytizing. That just doesn't wash, and that statement is disingenuous at best. Your little screed is indicative of true zealot and ideologue. If these aren't your personal beliefs as you claim, you wouldn't rambling on and on about the supposed "evilness" of meat and dairy and those that consume it. You are clearly biased and non-objective. Stop insulting peoples' intelligence by trying to infer otherwise. You talk about "humane education" and how that is supposed to be taught in the schools. Please tells us, were you officially charged by your supervisors or administrators with the task of teaching an official course in humane education? If so, were you using the proper curricula as approved by the school district or the state, or teaching your own personal version of it? If not, why do you assume to take the liberty of doing so without school approval? You are out of line sir, as I think most rational people can judge for themselves. Your self-serving, hyper-emotional little diatribe only serves to cement that.

Posted by: GrizzlyBear | September 11, 2007 07:06 PM

Joe,

Do you get your cliches from a CrackerJack box?

"Why was he not teaching art? Do you even know what art is?

"It seems the principal was only doing his job"? What job is that?

And the best for last, "Showing a meat factory during art class doesn't cut it"? Cut what, the meat?

Could such utterances get any more pointless?

Posted by: Lisa Byrne | September 11, 2007 09:03 PM

Whatever happened to "Freedom of Speech"? I was constantly being told in school where my veggies came from, so why should meat be any different? Could the meat and dairy industries have something to do with it? I would have to say yes. The truth hurts, but knowledge is power. Mr. Warwak was passing on knowledge. It is still entirely up to the students to decide what to do with it.

Posted by: pam | September 11, 2007 11:11 PM

Ignorance hates to read at all costs. Worst is non-fiction and pictures of reality. Why would I want to answer the same questions over and over? Do some reading about the reality of the situation at my web, then comment. And if you are too lazy to do a little research, than it is probably a lost cause anyway. You can find out why it is art and why education is messed up. Or you can remain in the dark, never do a little research and spend your time spouting about stuff you know little of. Only makes you look unlearned and hurtful. Ask yourself this, do you really expect me to help you cover and hide your ugly obsession with Animal flesh all? How about we never tell them? And they will live and die never knowing that you could care less for them and that the people they trusted lied to them. I will not be a part of your sick game. Stop. You hope that by the time, if ever, your child finds the truth they will be hopelessly hooked. Wow - sorry not go by your rules - NOT - HEY KIDS ACROSS AMERICA - TYPE IN A SEARCH - FACTORY FARMING and VEGAN and HUMANE EDUCATION – If what you are doing is so shameful and you try desperately to hide it and you never want your kids to find the truth – HOME SCHOOL. Why would you resist so much something that is all good?

Posted by: Warwak | September 12, 2007 02:18 AM

Russell those are the ramblings of a fool. Did you just compare what has happened in this instance with child abuse?? That I believe was an advertising slogan once for PETA. Classy.

If a student had an interest in becoming a vegan and approached Mr Warwak for his UNBIASED thoughts on the matter after a class had ended, no one would have a problem. Ramming it down their throats in a lecture when you teaching art is not only unrelated to his employment but is disgusting.

But not to worry, Mr. Warwak informs us that his students know not to trust him 'because many times I tell them falsehoods as a test, to see if they can be fooled.' So presumbly we are worrying over nothing cos the students were told before the lecture it was biased and untruthful.

I mean what on earth was this guy teaching. His prose is ambiguous and nonsensical and the article totally confused. They deserve to know the truth, but they know I lie to trick them and see if the can be fooled.

I am from a public school and we were never taught anything about meat or vegetarianism. It was a personal choice and some made it and some didn't.

Posted by: paul | September 12, 2007 04:34 AM

I am also a little insulted at this idea that a less 'violent diet' would lead somehow to less shootings and crime within schools.

I live in England, we eat me over here and also have some vegetarians as well and we all get along quite well. We don't have such instances. Not like over your way anyway. Crime yes, even terrible shootings but we don't blame the meat eaters. We tend to blame the criminals and the detachment from the world they seem to suffer from.

Similarly I have also lived in Shanghai, very few vegetarians out there, and also very little violence in schools, mainly down to respect from the students and a willingness to learn.

Perhaps you should look at how easy it is to get hold of a gun and address youth social issues and opposed to a burger.

Posted by: paul | September 12, 2007 04:43 AM

lisa, only marginally less pointless than devoting a post to it.

Posted by: rojo | September 12, 2007 04:54 AM

When I was in high school, my class's favourite art teacher had a rather long-lived affair with one of my classmates. Everyone knew about it, but nobody talked about it. I strongly believe that the administration knew about it as well.

While many of us will always remember that she actually did have an affair with her student, we're more likely to think of her fondly because of what she taught us. She taught us appreciation of culture, of life, art, music, politics, philosophy.

Art imitates life, people. An artist should be encouraged to see different sides, and students are already being "proselytized" (dictionary.com word of the day, thursday, january 4, 2001, grizzlybear...) into believing industry propaganda, without Mr. Warwak's help.

Teaching has become a watered down struggle to create humans, but instead creates robots meant to join the daily grind. Most teachers don't even get to choose what subjects they teach any longer - they're given a curriculum, a class room and 30 or so students and forced to go through the motions. That's not teaching!

What Mr. Warwak has reminded of us is that teaching isn't just 2 + 2 = 4, or that the British wore red coats. It's molding minds; it's facilitating growth; it's encouraging free-thought. Mr. Warwak has been dismissed for doing what a teacher should do! He presented students with material that doesn't aim to "proselytize" them, but rather make them think about what the rest of the world is telling them.

I can't think of anything more poetic or artistic.

Here's a list of things teachers I've known should've been fired for, but weren't:

- making a student spit in a bucket, in a closet, for two hours until they were dehydrated and had to visit the ER.

- having an affair with a student.

- using foul language in the classroom.

- showing cancer scars... on her breasts.

- knowingly passing out answers to SOL tests so that he can get a bonus.

There was a time when human beings weren't allowed to learn to read or write because it encouraged dissent from the monarchy, the plantation, the prison. Do we wish to return to those dark ages?

Posted by: Christopher Bird | September 12, 2007 10:15 AM

You are misrepresenting the story and leaving out important facts.

First of all, he is an art teacher. He isn't teaching art, he's teaching kids about meat and milk. Not his job and certainly not his place.
Second of all, he refused to simply stop preaching his views on veganism. Kids were going home in tears because their favorite teacher was telling them that meat and milk were bad. Why would mommy and daddy try to poison me? Nice message, PETA.
Third, it is not an art teachers place to preach about nutrition, factory farms, or veganism. He is there to teach kids art.
What you don't seem to grasp in your quest to change the food supply is that no one has an issue with vegans or veganism. What parents are having trouble with more and more is this generational problem of teachers imposing their views on students.
Simply put, eat what you want and follow the diet that makes you happy. Do not dare to contradict parents or teach young kids that your world view is superior to the one the parents want to teach. If I hear any more stories about public school teachers taking it upon themselves to teach my kids what to eat, what to believe, that america is evil, or george bush caused 9/11.
Simply put, teachers are supposed to teach, not indoctrinate. Forcing students in an art class to discuss veganism is not an example of a teacher doing their job.
You want to be an activist? Fine! i'm sure PETA is more than happy to support you. But what I teach my kids at home is my business and it is not up to you to contradict that based on your own belief system.
PETA, you just can't help but shoot yourself in the foot, can you?
Didja ever come clean about the dog incinerator you operate on your facility? Just curious....

Posted by: Jeff | September 12, 2007 01:28 PM

Way to go Jeff...

Posted by: Elmer | September 12, 2007 03:19 PM

Same questions and empty arguments. Please read. Why is it so hard to do a little research before people spout off? It is not about my beliefs, although you would love to dismiss it as that and argument over; however, they are not my beliefs, but other people's data. I know it is easier to spout and ask questions, but I prefer to make my students find the truth themselves. I do point them in the right direction from time to time. Hey Jeff, check out my web and read (more than one page, one line), how this is Art and we will welcome your apology - lesson learned ----- I noticed Vegans are researchers and love to read and Ignorance wants everything spoon-fed to them and they avoid reading at all costs. Ignorance has no trouble talking un-assisted
Warwak

Posted by: Warwak | September 12, 2007 03:21 PM

i think we need to take guns from hunters then the polica wouldnt need them either because it seems that every violent crime is related to a hunter accoprding to peta ps dont worry about the thug down the road hes keeping his gun and he has never been hunting for animals.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 12, 2007 06:39 PM

Dear Paul,
I too am from a pulic school--have you ever looked at the posters in the lunch line? Or in the cafeteria? Just curious...I happen to see them everytime I buy lunch. Repetition is one of the best ways to learn, and I see those posters EVERY DAY. I believe that qualifies as being taught. Don't most businesses place their ads in a viewable, well traversed place so people will see them over and over again? Subliminal advertising is a way to TEACH, we are TAUGHT things about meat and/or dairy that way.
As for Mr. Warwack teaching falsehoods to test his students...what teacher doesn't? At some point, all of my teachers have said something I KNEW wasn't true, and I would simply raise my hand and speak my mind. Most of the students who are WILLING TO LEARN do that now--or don't you pay attention in class?
I agree with Mr. Warwack, if you don't like it, then leave, go homeschool, switch teachers, or just leave the classroom for that lecture and get the notes from someone else. Sometimes that is all you can do.

Posted by: Sophia | September 12, 2007 08:08 PM

Yeah Art imitates life, you're right, but I bet if an art teacher took students to a slaughter house to show how meat was created and explained how humans had eaten it for ages and there was nothing wrong with it (not my views), and got fired, we would see a few less of you on here complaining about freedom of speech and those morals you hold highly. Meat is a part of life for many as well.

The truth is that any teacher who says things like 'do you really expect me to help you cover and hide your ugly obsession with Animal flesh all?' is never going to tell both sides or explain all the facts to students after class when it should be done yet alone when he should be teaching art. And indeed, any teacher that uses phrases like 'Wow - sorry not go by your rules - NOT' perhaps should not be in a teaching position.

I don't doubt your integrity, and I am sure you are a good teacher, i also respect anyone that stands by his views, but you have expressed them in highly erroneus manner. You are there to guide, nurture and instruct. It is not your job to open their eyes to the evil of meat and milk. I mean how would you feel if I taught your kids and explained to them that joining the scouts and hunting rabbits with your friends and other skills such as fishing were things everyboy should do. Sure you'd be chuffed when they said that over their dinner when they got home. Not.

Trust and been broken all over the place in this instance.

Posted by: Paul | September 13, 2007 04:52 AM

oh so showing grafic photos os art so is nudity but you can get in trouble for showing that too. you preached a belief not all people find that killing an animal to eat is crue,. killing an animal for fun is. that is a belief not art. you need to remember i pay taxes(not in your state) which pays you to teach my child what is governed by the county school board in lesson plans. Not what ever you want to teach that day you should have sent home slips to let parents know you where going to show grafic pics. Did you NO so you did break a plan and creata a hostel enviroment i nwhicdh you pushed a belief. to you and many others it may seem wrong and to some correct. also about hunting being taught in classroons no it is not other children talk to other children about it. it is not being teached in classrooms i love the way a hunter is blamed for almot every vegan issue. start balming the goverment they allow people to hunt and control what is taught in the classrooms. basicaly what you see as "art" is also a belief and you are saying that eating meat is wrong you are a minority remeber that. dont rock the boat. im not saying im right because this is my belief as it not eating meat is your "belief" think about it people do not see it as cruelty if you kill an animal to eat it

Posted by: Anonymous | September 13, 2007 06:26 AM

think of this some pepole think that when you have to take supplements you are not getting a complete balanced diet. therefor they are going to eat meat for the protiens and vitamins in it. at the same time if i tell all of your childen "your parents are wrong and meat is good for you and you need to eat it you would say i was wrong... remember their as more than one side of a story and i didnt appreciate being called wrong for what i feed my family. also olive oil and veggie oil are bad for you so is thier really a truly good for you diet. we can argue this all day and neither person is going to win because what scientist say you will always have someone say im sorry your wrong.

Posted by: Anonymous | September 13, 2007 06:54 AM

Hooray to Dave Warwak for having the courage to discuss with his students a different point of view than what they've had shoved (literally) down their throats since early childhood (yeah, I'm talking about you... Dairy Council, etc.).
Young kids nowadays are not getting enough of the correct messages as the obesity level in U.S. children attests to.
I believe the school was absolutely wrong in dismissing this teacher.
I hope they get enough complaints to make they realize that they must bring him back on board.

Posted by: Veronica Soto | September 13, 2007 01:27 PM

I respect that he gave his students information.
How is this any different from when the school gives you information about the envirment and tells you to stop letting your parents drive you to school when its a 15min walk (then parents groap about safety or something else to excuse the lazy habits they teach their kids).
I do see that there is concern about the "shock factor" the photos may have had on the children, however, none of us commenting on this SAW the photos.
The school is always compaigning for enviormental benefits (isnt vegetarinism one of those benefits?) why should this be an exception to the rule?

Posted by: Heather | September 13, 2007 02:12 PM

I live in South Florida and also know a teacher who was repremanded for talking about animal cruelty. In other words, guess the concept it too 'far out' for kids, huh? Never mind that teaching them now, when they're young, is the key to prevention. I guess things like this are the reason why cruelty still exists.

Posted by: Sharon A. | September 13, 2007 03:00 PM

I'd like to give heartfelt thanks to Mr Warwack. My 14 year old daughter was subjected to an inhumane slaughter of sheep in her Agriculture Class, on-site, during school hours. She and the other high school freshman were traumatized. We took issue with the school board and they have since complied with moving this ghastly practice to a slaughter yard, the students are bussed there and their animals that they have learned to care for are trucked to the slaughter house and the kids watch it.
Who should worry about your kids exposed to violence on TV when schools practice this sort of thing?
The positive side is this is reality! If you're going to eat meat then you should know where it comes from!

Posted by: Diane | September 13, 2007 03:09 PM

what is wrong with telling a bunch of bratty kids the truth about where their meat comes from. because the parents are ignorant and don't want the kids to think for themselves. boo hoo to the whiney trouble making parents.

Posted by: kathy | September 13, 2007 03:29 PM

It appears that most of the people posting here are missing the point entirely. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this teacher talking with his students about a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. However, showing pictures of what goes on in a factory farm to MIDDLE SCHOOL students is flat out wrong. We're talking about young children. Not college students or even seniors in highschool.
Being a vegan myself, I am happy to hear of a teacher bringing the overall topic into the classroom. Lord knows children are bombarded with advertising and bogus information for unhealthy food. But as a mother I insist that this teacher went about it entirely the wrong way.
I would no more want my daughter shown those pictures in her class than I would want her shown a picture of an aborted human fetus or white supremist propaganda.
Regardless of the fact that this mans beliefs coincide with my own, it is my place to teach my child when such fundamental values are concerned. Not her art teacher

Posted by: Vanessa | September 13, 2007 04:06 PM

Kids need to know where their food comes from. If most people took a tour of a slaughterhouse, they'd never eat meat again and probably be plagued with nightmares for the rest of their lives.
At the very least, children need to have some idea of what goes on behind the scenes. I applaud Dave for his educational efforts.

Posted by: Maureen | September 13, 2007 04:11 PM

I just want to mention the flip side of this. My daughter is vegetarian, my husband vegan, I'm nearly vegan, I still eat things with milk no eggs. Any way, we live in a rural community. Our schools show where food comes from, my daughter is subject to films of animals being slaughtered and the consensus of the adults and most students is that it's OK. I'm so tired of the narrow minded people in the world that feel they deserve to kill other living things. I feel sorry for the children of adults that don't give them the choice.

Posted by: Kathy Wheatley | September 13, 2007 04:18 PM

Wow! So it is OK for my veg kids to be told by the school that they need milk to survive or that it is good to raise money for Cancer research that will torture animals but it is not OK to educate kids about the realities of factory farming ?
Maybe I should think of suing the school for putting ideas in my kids' heads.

Posted by: Marcela Donato | September 13, 2007 05:06 PM

I think that it is great that you are trying to open eyes. It's amazing that people still uphold the meat industry. I wonder how many of these people would like to trade places with the animals.

Posted by: Davia | September 13, 2007 05:23 PM

I am a high school teacher who has had many discussions with students about factory farming and the cruelty involved. I am not judgmental; I just give the facts and allow the kids to make up their own minds. When I read that Dave Warwak had been fired from his job for doing the same thing, I was shocked. However, it won't deter me from speaking the truth about the meat industry.

Posted by: K.A. | September 13, 2007 06:23 PM

Vanessa, me and all three of my best friends found out about Animal Cruelty in sixth grade. I have been vegan ever since--

Anonymous, I don't take supplements, and I'm vegan, I can get all the things I need from plants that grow in the ground.

And Paul, you're right, I wouldn't be complaining on her about it, I'd be on another forum somewhere ranting about people's rights to share their views--which is the same problem here. I trust that Mr Warwack hasn't been giving biased views--unless you count stating facts as a biased view (in which case a simple fact lik, "I have four people in my imediate family" would count as a "biased" view). And, are you saying that when you are upset and peeved you never use sarcams? I know loads of people who do. If my teacher were to tell me about llamas jumping off cliffs because of polution, then I would be thankful that my teacher had enlightened me to such a thing, then I would go home and research it to see if it was true, and come to my own descision. That is what any sensible person would do. And in 8th grade, you are usually a bit more mature, and able to handle "scary facts" like factory farming.

Posted by: Sophia | September 13, 2007 06:40 PM

I am also a teacher and while I often tell my students why I am a vegetarian and even give verbal detail at times, I would never show them graphic pictures without parent permission. Factory farm pictures can cause great distress and I would no more show them these pictures than I would of dead or abused people. Perhaps older high school students may be able to handle these kinds of pictures, but as a high school teacher, I personally would not show them.

I agree with Andrea on this one.

Posted by: LW | September 13, 2007 06:55 PM

All I can say is let's just keep spreading the word. If people realized how badly farm animals are treated as well as animals in countries like China that are skinned alive for their fur the better off these poor animals will be. I cried when I watched those videos of how awful these creatures are treated. Made me physically ill! But I'm glad I saw it so I can tell everyone that I know. Farm animals don't usually live in those pretty green pastures we see on the t.v. Far from it. Thanks Dave for standing up for those who can't speak for themselves.

Posted by: Gloria | September 13, 2007 08:39 PM

i agree. make the government take a stance on this issue. make the school make a public statement about their decision. make them say...that they don't want the kids to know the truth.

education is where it's at. it's also, right now, where the information is being controlled...amongst the youth....

educating people about veganism and animal rights is the only way the cruelty will stop.

Posted by: anonymous | September 13, 2007 10:43 PM

Don't believe everything you read, see (Art), or hear. They are trying to make this about me. It really is about them. You see, when you have no reasons for your actions, they smear the little guy
Read the true story here
http://inslide.com/respect

Posted by: Warwak | September 14, 2007 12:15 AM

A couple years after I graduated from high schoool, my parents moved to Cary, IL, which borders on Fox River Grove (I believe both cities are part of the same school district)...my younger brother even ended up attending his last year of high school at Cary-Grove High. I am appalled at how, after decades of allowing the meat and dairy industries to promote the "four food groups" propaganda as truth in our schools, that a teacher would be disciplined for doing nothing more offensive than giving the other side of the argument. Are our schools reverting to the book-burning days? If so, John Robbins' books will obviously be the first in the fire.

Posted by: Stephanie | September 14, 2007 02:19 AM

....but a lot of things now need to be said ...........he is an art teacher....... did he violate the school boards criteria on what would be viewed as obscene......he was not fired he has refused to return until the school district goes vegan ...fine....if the school district does not have vegan options it is behaving in a very archaic manner.....
back to the teacher he is not a social studies teacher but he is an art teacher and his job is to show what art is by showing the photos of abused animals he was doing his job on two fronts one the growth of political art and on front two the use of image and word as propaganda .....would he of been ask to leave the classroom if he had shown images of lets say the holocaust or war images ....
i do think that he may be suffering from what i like to say is hyper vegan behavior which generally occurs in the first year of becoming one ..
its as bad as discovering the light{i.e christ} he just wants to share the truth as he sees it ...... and this can be very unnerving for others ...as a teacher he has to have some control over his actions i would not like a teacher covering a table with dead deer so the children can do still life but such is art right no sacred cows in art ......all is fair game ...but for the kids he is a rock star which is what a child needs to value art ......

Posted by: elgin lee baker | September 14, 2007 04:23 AM

what is the school afraid of, people learning exactly what happens to their meal before they get it. if kids did learn what went on, the meat industry would be in crisis, not good for the government eh?
people crave organic veg and fruit, why then are animals left out of this? we do have organic meat, but what about the slaughter of these animals, are they put to an end with a blessing, a thankyou for the food they will provide, a humane ending, or are they killed just like factory farmed animals? no thought, no compassion, abused to the last, as for a lady called andrea(comments 7 sept) saying she didnt want her child upset by looking at the pictures.
just how else are we supposed to get the message across about the horrific way in which our animals are treated.
to keep the pictures away we are denying the animals justice. not to look is to say it doesnt happen. if you eat meat, then look at what your meat has had to suffer before it got on your plate.
i am ashamed to be part of the "human" race when i see what we are doing to it.
animals dont have a voice, but we have, use it for them.

Posted by: susan | September 14, 2007 07:06 AM

Sophie I did pay attention in class when I was there 15 years ago yeah. That's why I did well.

I'm confused though, are you saying it is clear repetative posters on the wall, or subliminal?

And the fact that teachers may test their students about a date or a point is one thing. But suggesting he was allowed to teach this due to the fact that he could be lying about a whole ideaology as he passes around a book famous for it's anti meat content is ridiculous. How many teachers have you had that have done that?

Forum's are places of debate, and I often find myself agreeing with PETA over a number of issues and debates and am certainly pleased that some elements of animal cruelty are brought to light and supported by people like you Sophia. However, there can be no arguing sometimes and some peta members will assume some people on here are not worth scraping off their shoe because they are meat eaters. This is not democracy and is not right.

There was a thread sometime ago about PETA dumping manure on a restaurant owned by someone who had horse meat on his programme, totally legally I might add. So you go to a restaurant which serves meat and spread, literally, your views about meat eaters in this way, but surprise surprise, the meat eating people on this thread are not allowed onto this website to say their veiws? Sophia, that's naughty. Come on now.

I honestly feel that if Mr. Warwik had not shown those pictures and taught this subject matter, he would still have a job. He was employed to do a job which he didn't do and his explanation of such is biased in its prose.

How can you expect the person the article is about to be unbiased??

Posted by: Paul | September 14, 2007 07:07 AM

I personally think every kid should know about how cruel the meat industry is. BUT I'm also wondering why an ART teacher in a MIDDLE SCHOOL thought it was appropriate to show middle school aged children those photos. Now if he was a health teacher or even a P.E. teacher it has more relavence.

Posted by: Melanie | September 14, 2007 10:26 AM

I agree with everything the letter said and feel that the points were well stated. The other thing I would like to say is that this is not the first time I have heard of a teacher doing this. In fact I have heard about teachers doing this in my local area (upstate New York) for years. On several occassions I have mentioned my vegetarianism and have heard tales of seeing animal industry videos (which one I am not sure, though likely associated with PETA) and how it changed their perspectives, even if only on a "I couldn't believe it" kind of level. I cannot imagine that a school would not see that this would be informative even if only to show how industry works. I'm sure this man was not trying to convert these kids, but more so just let them be able to walk away informed. I could imagine getting rid of the guy if he was pressuring kids to think like him, but more often than not a teacher would not do such a biased thing to young impressionable students. My view is that the school seems to be making the choice to teach the students that freedom of speech is not something taught in school and that being informed is not the point of an education. I'm sure the students are outraged and yet we seem to still be failing to see that repressing youth and not allowing their minds room to be creative is exactly what is causing them to feel that they need to act out when they do. I'm glad to know that at least one person at that school felt that the kids were wise enough to be able to handle it and I'm glad he took the chance while he had it.

Posted by: Loreen | September 14, 2007 04:51 PM

I cannot believe that! In Key West, kids are on a summer reading program, and they were forced to read a book about "Nickel and Dimed" It's all about not getting by in America. Okay, so we can tell them they are going into a bad economy, force them to believe that food is good for them when it clearly isn't (visibly I might add) and when somebody presents a book (I am reading that book right now for the first time) that is a great factual piece of evidence that could not only save their lives but change their habits at a critical age. I went vegetarian for a month because I found myself eating fast food three times a day due to full time job(s) But after reading Fast Food Nation, and now the Food Revolution, well, let's just say the world has a lot of waking up to do... Godspeed, teach!

Posted by: Nick | September 16, 2007 01:01 AM

press release - my beliefs - do what you wish with them in print or fire - editorial at your disposal

Vegan America

People, people, people, please, settle down - take a break - go read up on Vegan or Humane Education or Factory Farming - then please come back in a few hours and leave your Ignorance at the door and stay on topic with real knowledge of both sides. I know your side well. Remember, I am a product of your World. I was a Fishing Guide and on Atkins, so I understand how we grow up to believe certain things. Those Milk Mustache posters hanging in a place that stands for truth is a crime when we know otherwise. This is where Hereditary Ignorance remains alive. It is killing us. Be honest and change for our Children.

I think the average American would be appauled to find out what goes on in those sheds in the distance. You are busted FACTORY FARMING - THE GIG IS UP - WE ARE SICK OF IT! Where is the love and compassion in people? Have we become so hardened and disconnected that we are willing to just die off. I KNOW THE CHILDREN WANT A BETTER WORLD - JUST AS I DID AND STILL DO - DO IT FOR OUR CHILDREN I want everyone who knows of Factory Farming to go to your nearest mountaintop and scream out at the top of your lungs, “FACTORY FARMING” so loud, in hopes the Children will hear you. I want them to hear. They still have sense and can see how wrong it really is. Children understand. Stop hiding it from them. Do you want your Children growing up in a confused World full of death, destruction, violence and hate? What we do to our friends, the Animals, really does come back to us. Can’t you see it? WAKE UP!

Everyone wants to make this about me losing my job. I keep saying this is not about my views or beliefs, but no one hears me. It is about how they are running things. I can not participate in their broken system and they are mad. You really should not fire or hurt a person for being loving, caring, and compassionate, especially with the whole World watching. If everyone really wants to make this about me and my beliefs, and if everyone insists on ignoring the mountain of scientific data that screams Vegan=Humane Education. Here you go, my beliefs, …do what you wish with them in print or fire, ...

Isn't it funny how I link to misinformation - I want everyone to know both sides, just to show you the forces at work to keep you brain-washed - WAKE-UP PEOPLE – You won’t see any of them linking to my site. There was an editorial printed by a mindless sheep, who cut and paste things they never really researched, that are just dead wrong! Such non-sense - IS THIS 2007? I know, Ignorance hates to read, and especially hates to admit they might be wrong. This is how the HEREDITARY IGNORANCE CONTINUES - WAKE UP! “We must rapidly begin the shift from a "thing-oriented" society to a "person-oriented" society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism, and militarism are incapable of being conquered” Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Milk and Dairy Industry in grand concert with the Government getting their hold in Schools, brainwashed us in childhood, just as they did our parents, and theirs, and now our very own Children. Why do we fight so hard for them to continue such an evil legacy? The only reason this poisonous garbage is still in school is because our loving Government stepped in and offered the free and reduced lunch program (nothing is free, and believe me, we pay). “If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny” Thomas Jefferson

Lazy ignorance hates work and change. Lazy ignorance only changes when it is forced to change. Our ever so loving Meat and Dairy Industries in joyous harmony with our beautiful Government know this and have placed their wonderful killing machine in place with all its wondrous safeguards. These same loving people try to unload this horrific-sleuth they call food on other countries. Europe will not even consider it. So we call it surplus and it sits around, and sits around. And so it goes, generously rammed down our innocent and ever so trusting Children’s mouths.

Records, paperwork, and a few too many sick Children, and our loving friends have a recall of millions of pounds of ground Animals, only to find, most has been already consumed (or Lazy Ignorance neglects to find Recall Info and it is eaten later), a few thousand pounds in all actuality is returned, which our loving friends then feed back to the Animals (turning them from herbivore to cannibal), your Child will eat later. And still, we fight to keep it in our Children’s schools. WOW – HEREDITARY IGNORANCE IS STRONG! Selling out our own Children and the fate of the Human Race. This is not just about diet. Don't believe everything you see. The world is an illusion. Wake up. There are many things all around us made from animals that we never notice. We're so disconnected; we don't even notice this right in front of our face three times a day. When we open our circle of compassion to all, we grow as a people and our treatment of each other and others improves. It really is about peace, love, and compassion for all. How many more school shootings until we wake-up? Humane Education=Veganism=VEGAN AMERICA is the answer.

When we look into the Ancients’ artworks, you see the hidden history. This information is the drop of water deep inside a rock that bursts it open when the freeze comes. It is not in any textbook or lecture. The Ancients were telling us how to survive in their Art. The messages all the same, every time, over and over again. They all, say the same thing, and we are at a crossroads of a new age. This crossroad can go in the direction it is going and we end as a people just after the turn of the century, close to the Ancient Mayan Calendar end. Just as is their Cosmic Ball game, we can reverse our fate, which they also foresaw, in that we change and open our circle of compassion. This is our last big test as a people. Do we want better for our Children? If not, screw you, I ask them, and every time, they say they want to live longer, healthier lives in a healthy loving world. Don’t you want that for them? Well they want the future and they want it now. We have to change NOW! Come clean – TELL A CHILD TODAY!

Most know this and that, and only, this and that; but, limited perspectives are stagnant when the bigger, more important reality is contained in this and that and everything else. Look at the entirety of the situation and do a search of John Robbins Realities from Diet for a New America. The re-print statistics are all over on the internet. You will see the connections of diet to starvation, disease, pollution, its all there, takes 5 to 10 minutes for the average person to make the connections. People simply do not know about Factory Farming, Veganism, Humane Education, or any of the other implications. Most people never have time to think of such things. We need to slow down, even for 10 minutes and read. The majority of people suppress themselves by adopting systems of thoughts and actions shaped by their own perceived desires of those in control. To deny our children their freedom is to commit a crime against humanity. "Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, "Why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that ..." George Carlin

“There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly” Buckminster Fuller. To many people, this seems like a stupid, meaningless personal choice, dietary issue; however, this issue is not a crazy fad or news from a crazy zealot. Just as a caterpillar turns to a butterfly, a simple change in diet can evolve into the solution to the Health Care crisis, war, starvation, pollution, global warming, school shootings and violence in society. This one change brings a new way of living – actually, it is a very old. Suppressed and long forgotten way of living the Ancients new well. Humane Education. Teaching a reverence for life. God gave life, man never should have taken it away – never, ever – and yet, here we are engulfed in this horrific killing machine.

A silent Holocaust is going on in America, right here and now, right in front of our noses three times a day. Can’t you smell it? Look off in the distance. Factory Farming is hazing our World. Well, maybe, you cannot see it. I see it in the far off distance, a wavy haze melting the ground. I’m chasing it down and grappling this machine with you as you read my words. Even Einstein saw it 50 years ago, when he said, “Nothing will benefit human health and increase chances for survival of life on Earth as much as the evolution to a vegetarian diet”

There is no magic bullet to cure cancer, heart disease, stroke, and on, and on. Prevention is the cure, leave your bandage solutions at home and do a little research. The best diet is Vegan. The science is out, PLEASE LET GO OF THE STONE AGE – THIS IS 2007. Our Children need this. The Human race and the future of Earth hinges on this. Your kids, family, and self all dieing of hideous cancers, heart attacks, strokes, and the list is a mile long – do some research and you will see. Oh how well I know, how Lazy Ignorance hates to read at all costs, after all, it might lead to change=work.

The Factory Farming Industry in concert with your loving government has created the most horrific killing machine that is spiraling out of control. The only way to stop this is through Education Reform. Teaching our youth a philosophy of respect, responsibility, and love of life=Humane Education=Veganism. No more time will be spent arguing with Hereditary Ignorance. Generation after generation slips through our hands playing this silent game of “we don’t want to scare them with the truth” mentality. This mentality is the same mentality of Hereditary Ignorance that wants to drag this out a few thousand more years. Sorry, we won’t last that long. It really is now or never.

Every kid in America should know where their food comes from as soon as they can pick up a fork. And if you are to afraid to be honest, Public Schools have no place in helping you hide your weak character and lack of respect and lack of responsibility. Children are the key to saving our race, as a people, on this planet, for they are the transmission of society. Maybe you did not know that. The Meat and Dairy Industry knows how important it is to Indoctrinate our Children with a constant reminder, rammed down their innocent eyes, hanging on the walls of an institution that Children are Indoctrinated into TRUSTING FOR TRUTH – NOT TO HIDE SOCIETIES ILLS.

“It is my view that the vegetarian manner of living by its purely physical effect on the human temperament would most beneficially influence the lot of mankind” Einstein. To leave the responsibility of “The Talk” to the parents, does not work, because most parents do not know, as, they themselves, are brainwashed and desperately cling to their Hereditary Ignorance, for without it, their world crumbles apart. The crumbling should not be feared, for this is your part in the evolution of the Human Race, and your awaking as who you really are.

Children never grow and “Find out themselves” when they are old enough to decide what is right and then make it a personal choice. Until then, have you decided correctly for them, until then? Public School should be one place that delivers the truth in the form of healthy, nutritious food that is not the product of the suffering or demise of another being. Animals are not ours to eat, wear, or use in any other way.

This is how the Hereditary Ignorance continues. Schools are one place that should teach students how to see the world as it really is. This is every Teacher’s job. The Art Teacher does it best though. Real Artists are really Teachers. We deal with the real world. People really do believe everything we see. You may have said, “I saw it with my own eyes!” Instead of teaching our children what to know, let them find themselves and how to decipher our falsehoods. Why would anyone want their child to live a lie and die early in a dieing World? Who would want to be involved with Factory Farming in any way? Who would want to ignore TRUTH? Who would want to hide TRUTH? Answer: People who believe what the people they trusted told them.

Just because we enter into a world with little humanity and know of no other, does not mean we have to accept all we have ever known to be singular, indisputable, and real. The truth is we can make this world better, right here, right now. In the great words of Sitting Bull, “Let us put our minds together and see what life we can make for our children” No more School shootings=Vegan America. After all is said and done, history cares not of pride, nor, conformists, only to a gasp at how primitive they must have been; whereas, we always remember those who are able to change with great reverence, for they put aside pride and refused to conform to evil. Warwak

Feel free to copy and distribute.
I ask only that you copy it in its entirety and that the
reproduction be of good quality.
http://inslide/respect

Posted by: Warwak | September 16, 2007 03:03 AM

Truth is truth- exposing the dark horror behind factory farming is the only way to educate the public. As usual, we look to the next generation to right the wrongs of the current. I support the teaching of truth, no matter how unsettling. I am a food service manager in Montana & provide vegetarian options daily to our staff & students.It's an uphill battle when one considers that the USDA determines that tofu is a noncreditable food source for school children. Fight the good fight.

Posted by: Robin Vogler | September 16, 2007 01:39 PM

diane your kid is in an ag class thats what they teach also alot of people see factory farming as a source of food not cruelty they think of cock fighting or dog fighting as cruel it as seen as if it is for food it is not cruel. also schools dont go around shoving meat down throats do they no so why force veggies you push people away remember you can attract more flies with honey than vinager

Posted by: Anonymous | September 16, 2007 02:26 PM

That is sooo against civil liberties!

Get this, I am on school council at my school, and for comic relief, I suggested a veggie week in the canteen for sponsor money. Guess what bull the teacher came out with? "No, cos some people might not like vegetables!" Doesn't stop em taking chips off the menu, does it? And chips are healthier than meat!

Schools are for learning facts, not corrupt government propaganda! (Don't ya just love that word?! Propaganda!)

Posted by: Gina | September 16, 2007 03:08 PM

I cannot believe that a teacher would be dismissed because of telling the truth. What happened to free speech in this country? Students need to hear both sides of a question, then make up their own mind for themselves. This teacher definitely needs to file a lawsuit on this matter.

Posted by: Marjorie Hass | September 16, 2007 03:09 PM

That's terrible. No one should be punnished for speaking the truth. I'm sorry that happened. It's just not right. *Shakes head in disgust*

Posted by: Terasi. | September 17, 2007 08:02 AM

alot of people dont think that eating nothing but veggies is good for you if you have to take suplements. and alot of people dont live taking pills nomatter what it is for unfortanetly they will keep eating meat

Posted by: Anonymous | September 17, 2007 01:13 PM

Vegan America –Revolt!
Tell Our Children the Truth

The Chicago Animal Rights Meetup Group is leading the way on a campaign that will shift focus towards Educating Children about the Truth about our World. Vegans and other Animals Rights organizations all around the World are quickly hopping on board with this revolutionary approach to the issue “Tell Our Children the Truth”. This is the same revolution for our Friends; but, with a new approach which focuses on the transmission of Society i.e. Children. The Adult Meat-Eaters in the World no longer have a choice in this matter. This Revolution belongs to the Children. The Children of today are smart and want a better World. They are tired of your way and do not want war, starvation, pollution, death, and destruction. They want and deserve a healthy and loving World. Just ask, you will see. Go off in the corner with your Roast Beef sandwich, while we build a better World. They want the future and they want it now. Because the Adults in charge want to hide this information from them, it is the duty of each and every Vegan and Animal Rights Activist in the World to let the Children around them, know the truth. It can be as simple as a business card that you slip to Children, whenever and wherever you see them. On one side, it reads, “Want to know a secret?” And on the other side, it reads, “Do an internet search about ‘Factory Farming’ and ‘Vegan’” Children deserve the truth, especially when it affects their lives and World directly. What are you afraid of, that they will make a better decision? Oh, I am sorry, you know best – NOT! The Children of today are not afraid of Change. Stop the Silence and Tell Our Children The Truth. VEGAN AMERICA – REVOLT!
http://inslide.com/respect

Posted by: Warwak | September 17, 2007 07:09 PM

We're not all behind this "teacher". What does pictures of factory farming have to do with teaching art? This moron is typical of the reasons our kids are falling behind the learning curve. I hope they suspend him to teach him a lesson and then let him return - if he's a good art teacher.

Posted by: Ham Entree | September 18, 2007 03:34 PM

I just want to say this.

Teachers have been fired for talking about Religion.

Pushing you personal views about meat, to students who have no choice but to listen should get you fired as well.

Posted by: Bob | September 19, 2007 10:55 PM

Seems we have revolution here in America erupting under our noses and there is not much we can do about it. This revolution pits compassionate children against their uncaring parents. The revolution even has a name, “Vegan America – Revolt!” The revolution was born from incidents surrounding Dave Warwak and his persistent attempts to teach Humane Education at Fox River Grove Middle School. Warwak said, “I can’t understand why they are fighting so hard against something so good. The World is behind us and prepared to help. There is every reason in the world for the school to go vegan and not one single reason to do otherwise” PETA’s Vice President, Bruce Friedberg is offering to help Fox River Grove Middle School with its transition to a vegan diet “We'll pay for food for a week, get vegan chefs in to help and consult, whatever”. The “Chicago Animal Rights Meetup Group”, “Mercy for Animals”, and other groups around the world are prepared to step in and help Fox River Grove Middle School become the first vegan public school in America. The “CARMG” is embarking on a campaign to educate the youth of America. The group’s president, Shalesh Kumbhat and Warwak are very enthusiastic about the group’s new focus. The campaign consists of passing out small business cards to children wherever they may be. Thanks to Kumbhat’s efforts and his extensive connections, animal rights groups, vegetarians, vegans, and humane educators all over the world will be passing out business cards to children wherever they may be. Warwak said, “Groups are hitting the streets, during times when children are most likely to be out and about. Groups are already planning on a full force presence on Halloween. Even vegans who stay home will be passing out vegan candies accompanied by a message of love.” Warwak, then went on to say, “So far today, I passed out 34 cards!”

The business card’s front reads:

Remember the Santa Claus lie?
One lie is so big, some people prefer to keep it hidden.
So hidden, some never find out!
Do you want to live a lie?

The back reads:

Go to your favorite search engine.
Look-up “Factory Farming” Look-up “Vegan”
“Naming a rock, a banana, does not make it food”

Posted by: Warwak | September 20, 2007 01:56 AM

Vegan America – Revolt!
Date: 09/20/07
Writer: Karen West

Seems we have revolution here in America erupting under our noses and there is not much we can do about it. This revolution pits compassionate children against their uncaring parents. The revolution even has a name, “Vegan America – Revolt!” The revolution was born from incidents surrounding Dave Warwak and his persistent attempts to teach Humane Education at Fox River Grove Middle School. Warwak said, “I can’t understand why they are fighting so hard against something so good. The World is behind us and prepared to help. There is every reason in the world for the school to go vegan and not one single reason to do otherwise” PETA’s Vice President, Bruce Friedberg is offering to help Fox River Grove Middle School with its transition to a vegan diet “We'll pay for food for a week, get vegan chefs in to help and consult, whatever”. The “Chicago Animal Rights Meetup Group”, “Mercy for Animals”, and other groups around the world are prepared to step in and help Fox River Grove Middle School become the first vegan public school in America. The “CARMG” is embarking on a campaign to educate the youth of America. The group’s president, Shalesh Kumbhat and Warwak are very enthusiastic about the group’s new focus. The campaign consists of passing out small business cards to children wherever they may be. Thanks to Kumbhat’s efforts and his extensive connections, animal rights groups, vegetarians, vegans, and humane educators all over the world will be passing out business cards to children wherever they may be. Warwak said, “Groups are hitting the streets, during times when children are most likely to be out and about. Groups are already planning on a full force presence on Halloween. Even vegans who stay home will be passing out vegan candies accompanied by a message of love.” Warwak, then said, “So far today, I passed out 34 cards!”

The business card’s front reads:

Remember the Santa Claus lie?
One lie is so bad, some people prefer to keep it hidden.
So hidden, some never find out!
Do you want to live a lie?

The back reads:

Go to your favorite search engine.
Look-up “Factory Farming” Look-up “Vegan”
“Naming a rock, a banana, does not make it food”

Source: http://inslide.com/respect

Posted by: Warwak | September 20, 2007 07:08 AM

Teachers that speak out and help their students learn of the problems of the world they live in so at an early age they can learn to be caring and involved citizens. Such teachers should be lauded and held in high esteem. This certainly reflects as backward and primitive thinking on the part of the administration and the school board!!

Posted by: Dorieta Rogers | September 20, 2007 11:36 PM

Spread the news Pink Floyd was trying to tell us long ago.
http://inslide.com/floydveganamerica

Posted by: Warwak | September 23, 2007 05:52 AM