Who is Eric Jackson? Massachusetts high school teacher hands out survey to students about what turns them on
The students of an 11th-grade anatomy class in a Massachusetts high school received a survey from their teacher on Friday, May 21, which has resulted in the teacher, Eric Jackson, being put on administrative leave. The survey consisted of questions related to sex and was apparently borrowed from a sex education website.
Dracut Public Schools suspended the teacher after pictures of the questionnaire came out on social media resulting in huge outrage from parents. One parent, Richard Silvio Sr, said to NBC "I was appalled. I couldn’t even believe it," and added, "I just — I do not believe that came from a teacher.”
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Who is Eric Jackson?
Eric Jackson was suspended from his job after he handed out a survey that asked students to rate — on a scale of zero to five — how much they identify with a series of statements in the survey. A statement on the survey, for instance, reads "Often, just how someone smells can be a turn-on.” while another states “Certain hormonal changes definitely increase my sexual arousal.” There was also a statement that read, "having sex in a different setting than usual is a real turn-on for me."
Daniel Martin, a student who was in the class while the survey was handed out, revealed that "He (Jackson) said you could throw it out in front of him," about the survey. He then explained, "I just thought it was very strange, and that I didn’t want to be partaking in it.” Martin also said that the students were not forced to complete the survey which was also not collected by the teacher.
Jackson who has worked in the school for 19 years has so far not commented on the incident. He also said that the union has asked him to not reveal anything regarding what was taking place. He said "I’ve been asked not to comment about it,” and added “I also know that, as you’ve already mentioned, there are people who are upset and I’m glad to hear that there’s some support.”
Superintendent Steven Stone, on the other hand, said in a statement, "The district takes the health and well-being of students most seriously and has initiated a review of the matter. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending that review." One of the students, Richard Silvio Jr, also commented and said that he hoped that Jackson would be fired. He said, "I do not think he should keep his job" and added, “I’m sorry — I think what he did was absurd.”
One student who wanted to remain anonymous told News 7 that they did not have a problem with the survey and explained “[Jackson] said if you feel uncomfortable at any time you can get up, leave the room, I’m not going to ask questions."