A Grade 8 social studies teacher at Ladysmith Secondary School in British Columbia reportedly told students they should "murder" individuals infected with hantavirus during a classroom discussion. Audio recordings and transcripts, shared by Juno News, capture the teacher, Jennifer Fink, making the controversial statements earlier this month. The incident has drawn significant attention after being highlighted by commentator Candice Malcolm.
During a public health discussion, a student asked Fink if she meant people with hantavirus should be "shot." Fink allegedly responded, > "That’s exactly what I’m saying. Yes. Round them up and murder all of them because they don’t deserve life." Another student in the room reportedly suggested, "We should just bomb that ship," in response to the teacher's comments.
Hantavirus is a rare but severe viral disease, with the North American variant, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS), having a fatality rate of up to 50 percent, according to the World Health Organization. The virus is typically transmitted to humans through contact with rodent droppings, urine, or saliva. Between 1989 and 2020, Canada confirmed 143 cases of HPS, as reported by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The alleged remarks by the B.C. teacher raise serious concerns about appropriate classroom conduct and the dissemination of public health information. The specific context of any disciplinary actions or official statements from Ladysmith Secondary School or the relevant education authorities regarding the incident has not yet been widely reported. The audio evidence provided by Juno News serves as a primary source for the claims.
