Baton Rouge, LA – In a move that has baffled and infuriated locals, a Louisiana teacher has found herself in hot water for posting the Ten Commandments in Pig Latin in her classroom. This creative approach has raised eyebrows and voices, blending biblical lessons with a touch of linguistic whimsy, much to the chagrin of the conservative populace.
Mrs. Bernadette “Bernie” Carver, a history teacher at Bayou High School, thought she was adding a fun, educational twist to the newly mandated Ten Commandments display by translating them into Pig Latin. “I thought it would engage the students more and make them think about the commandments in a new way,” she explained. “Plus, it’s a playful nod to our region’s love of language and culture.”
However, Mrs. Carver is no stranger to controversy. She previously sparked debates by assigning “The Great Gatsby” in emojis and hosting a “Shakespearean Insults” day, where students could only communicate in the Bard’s most colorful epithets. Her innovative, if not unconventional, teaching methods have always been a point of contention among parents and school officials.
This latest incident, however, has struck a particularly sensitive nerve. As required by the new law signed by Governor Jeff Landry, all public school classrooms must display the Ten Commandments prominently, reflecting their perceived historical significance in American education and law (opb) (Religion News Service). The Pig Latin rendition has been viewed by many as a flippant disregard for this directive.
Conservative parents and local figures have been vocal in their disapproval. “It’s an absolute disgrace,” said Reverend Tom Thompson of the First Baptist Church. “The Ten Commandments are sacred texts, not a joke to be butchered into some silly language. This teacher is undermining the very fabric of our educational and moral values.”
Another parent, Linda Boudreaux, lamented, “My children need to learn respect for these principles, not be entertained by some linguistic circus act. This is an affront to our beliefs and traditions.”
Yet, some of the criticism has veered into the bizarre. Earl “Big Earl” LeJeune, a local radio host, claimed, “This is part of a larger conspiracy to undermine our children’s education. First, they make them learn Pig Latin, next thing you know, they’ll be speaking French! And you know what they say about French – it’s the language of the devil!”
One particularly concerned citizen, Betty Lou Thibodeaux, took issue with the idea that Pig Latin could be fun. “Learning should be hard and boring, just like it was for us. If kids start enjoying school, what’s next? They’ll want air conditioning and shorter hours. It’s a slippery slope!”
Despite the uproar, Mrs. Carver stands by her choice. “Education should be engaging and thought-provoking,” she said. “If we can make students smile while they learn something important, why not?”
The school district has yet to take formal action, but it’s clear that Mrs. Carver’s unique take on the Ten Commandments has ignited a fiery debate on the intersection of tradition, education, and innovation in Louisiana’s classrooms. Whether her Pig Latin posters will remain is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: Bernie Carver’s classes will never be boring.
