Ithaca school officials are investigating the use of Scientology-sponsored human rights videos after parents raised concerns about disturbing imagery shown to Cayuga Heights Elementary third graders, according to The Ithaca Voice.
The videos were used during the week of Oct. 5, and district investigator Robert Van Keuren later acknowledged that some were inappropriate for students’ ages and developmental levels.
Principal Aileen Grainger told families Oct. 8 that the school had stopped using the website and would review how outside digital materials are selected.
Youth for Human Rights International said its materials are secular, contain no Scientology religious instruction and should be reviewed by educators for suitability.
Parents told the outlet they wanted clearer explanations about the videos, how they reached classrooms and when the district would share its investigation’s findings.
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