Students at a Pennsylvania middle school were handed out word search puzzles based on an erotic novel and movie, leading more than a few parents to turn 50 shades of red.
Five students at Monessen Middle School were given puzzles based on "Fifty Shades of Grey," the graphic bondage book by E.L. James that was recently adapted to a film, Pittsburgh's Action News 4 reported. But it were terms such as spanking, submissive, leather cuffs and bondage that had most of the outraged parents immediately issuing complaints to the state's school district.
On Tuesday night, much of the school's board meeting revolved around the controversial puzzle.
"We just learned of this issue yesterday," said school board solicitor John Toohey on Wednesday. "An investigation will occur."
However for now, it remains unclear how many middle school students were given the puzzle to solve or even who ended up passing it on Monday, according to UK MailOnline.
Parent James Carter said he tried to question the school's principal and dean of students about the puzzle his son received, but they refused when he insisted on recording their conversation.
"I asked my son who passed it out, and he said the teacher passed it out," Carter said. "I don't think this is what they should be doing in the 8th grade level."
One board member who was not present at the meeting, Roberta Bergstedt, said in an email that the puzzles were passed out by mistake.
Meanwhile, school district officials would not comment on whether any teachers or staff have been disciplined. The incident is under investigation, Superintendent Leanne Spazak said.
