Staff Reports
A fundraising event at Deer Creek High School in Edmond, Oklahoma, has ignited a national controversy after a video surfaced showing students licking peanut butter off each other’s toes during an assembly. The event, part of the school’s “Wonderful Week of Fundraising” (WWF), raised over $152,000 for Not Your Average Joe, a nonprofit coffee shop chain that employs individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While the financial success of the fundraiser is undeniable, the method employed has drawn widespread criticism from parents, community leaders, and state officials.
The activity in question occurred during the “Clash of the Classes” assembly, where students volunteered to participate in various competitions to raise money. According to the school district, all participants signed up willingly, and no staff or faculty were involved in organizing or overseeing the specific game. However, this explanation has done little to quell public outrage. State Superintendent Ryan Walters called the event “disgusting” and announced an investigation into the matter, while Senator Ted Cruz labeled it “child abuse.” Many parents expressed shock and disbelief that such an activity was allowed on school grounds.
Critics argue that this incident reflects a broader failure of oversight within educational institutions. Allowing students to engage in activities with “clear sexual-fetish undertones,” as some have described it, raises serious questions about judgment and accountability at Deer Creek High School. The district’s apology acknowledged that the event “failed to uphold the dignity of our students” and promised to take steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Yet, many are left wondering how such an inappropriate activity was approved in the first place.
This controversy also highlights the need for greater parental involvement and oversight in schools. Some commentators have pointed out that local school boards often operate with minimal accountability due to low voter turnout in off-cycle elections. Proposals to move school board elections to November aim to increase public participation and ensure that administrators are more responsive to community standards. The Deer Creek incident underscores the importance of such reforms as a way to prevent future missteps.
While fundraising for a noble cause is commendable, this event serves as a cautionary tale about prioritizing common sense and decency in educational settings. Schools should focus on fostering activities that align with community values and prepare students for adulthood with integrity and character. Moving forward, Deer Creek High School—and other schools across the country—must learn from this debacle and ensure that their efforts to do good are not overshadowed by poor judgment.
