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Local School District Under Fire For Bullying Program

IMPERIAL (KDKA) - The West Allegheny School District is being criticized by some parents, after the Middle School recently sponsored an in-school Kindness Workshop, where 8th graders would gather in a small group and talk about bullying issues.

What has angered some parents, however, are the questions posed to the young students. Questions such as: were your parents ever in jail?  Do you have drinking or alcohol problems at home?  Do you know someone who is gay, or lesbian?

Bob Moore, whose 13-year old daughter is in the 8th grade, said she came home upset earlier this week by the program. Moore told KDKA TV's Ralph Iannotti Friday night "some of the questions were way too personal, perhaps even for a guidance counselor."

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On Facebook, once parent wrote she was "horrified" by the questions.  Another called the exercise "disgusting."  Pamela Brosovic said "my nephew felt very uncomfortable, so he sent a text to his dad, and he was pulled out of school, saying the workshop was ridiculous."

In an open letter to parents, the School District said, in part, "the program was supposed to promote acceptance, it was not intended to offend students.."

Parents have their own set of questions, and they will be looking for straight answers at a meeting at the Middle School next week.

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