FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, December 5, 1997
CONTACT:
Heidi Prescott, 301-585-2591, hprescott@fund.org
CHARLESTON, W.V. -- Today, The Fund for Animals sent a two-page letter to the West Virginia Board of Education, requesting that the board immediately halt its policy of closing public schools during the first week of deer hunting season. An Associated Press article last week reported that at least 38 of the state's 55 counties cancel classes all week for deer hunting.
Heidi Prescott, National Director of The Fund for Animals, wrote in today's letter to the Board, "The quality of education young people in our country receive is constantly under scrutiny . . . We find it appalling that the West Virginia school system would put a stamp of approval on absenteeism for the purpose of killing animals in the name of recreation."
For years, there have been rumors of schools in some states offering students liberal leave for the opening day of deer hunting season, but this is the first time a print media account has actually confirmed the practice. Says Prescott, "Giving students a day off to participate in a school-sponsored field trip can enhance their education. There is nothing educational or wholesome, however, about turning the new three R's into Reading, 'Riting, and Reloading."
The Fund for Animals offered to make its new video, "What's Wrong With Hunting," and accompanying curriculum unit available to the West Virginia teachers and students.
