School officials, parents meet after controversial lesson

SANDWICH, Mass. -- A meeting was held at a school in Sandwich on Tuesday night to address concerns over exhibits displayed during a science class earlier in the week.

Parents of some fifth grade students at the Forestdale School in Sandwich attended the meeting with school officials.

The speaker, a pathologist assistant, showed students slides of lung tissue, a brain, skin, a kidney, and a spleen. He also showed human embryos and zygotes, the fertilized female egg that eventually develops into an embryo.

The embryo images angered some parents who consider fifth graders too young to be exposed to such things.

One parent, however, told 7News her son found it fascinating.

"It was a great class, my son actually commented on what a great class it was," said one parent.

The Sandwich School Committee issued this statement: "The school committee is very concerned about these events. The superintendent has met with the principal and will also be meeting with the teacher and the parents of those students involved."

"I think it's ultimately up to the teacher to decide what might be controversial, what should be presented, what's not presented, and if, like I pointed out in the meeting, if there's any doubt at all, that should be brought to the principal, saying 'is this too controversial for our kids to see?'," said the parent.

It’s unclear whether the teacher, or the principal who gave his approval for the guest speaker, will face any disciplinary charges.

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