US school faces investigation over bizarre feet, toe-licking contest during fundraiser

The incident happened at Deer Creek High School in Oklahoma. (Representational)

An Oklahoma high school finds itself under intense scrutiny after a video of students engaging in a toe-sucking contest during a school-sanctioned fundraiser went viral. The unsettling footage, which surfaced on social media, has sparked a formal investigation by the Oklahoma State Department of Education, leaving parents, officials, and even lawmakers expressing their concerns.

The disturbing video, recorded at Deer Creek High School during the Clash of Classes assembly, depicts students from 9th through 12th grade participating in an eyebrow-raising toe-sucking tournament on the gymnasium floor.

The clip, which garnered an astonishing 50 million views in just 24 hours, has prompted State Superintendent Ryan Walters to declare an official investigation. "This is disgusting. We are cleaning up this filth in Oklahoma schools. Our agency is investigating," Walters asserted.

The fundraiser, aimed at supporting a local coffee shop employing individuals with special needs, took an unexpected turn as students eagerly joined various competitions, including the now-infamous toe-sucking activity. Initially commended for their involvement, the school administration later issued an apology to both students and parents.

GRAPHIC WARNING- Video sent to FOX 25 shows students at Deer Creek High kissing and sucking on feet yesterday. @DCAntlers confirms the video, saying the students volunteered in challenges to help raise money for their annual philanthropy week. More at 9pm tonight on @OKCFOX. pic.twitter.com/3FaG8BbeAE

— Wendy Suares (@wsuares) March 1, 2024

While some students enthusiastically participated in the unusual games, others expressed discomfort. An anonymous student shared with Fox 25, "It was surprising. I didn’t think they were going to do all that. I was just shocked. I didn’t really have like a feeling. I was kind of disgusted, and then kind of glad I wasn’t over there."

Criticism also came from parents, with one describing the competition as "excessive" and another accusing the school of not thinking through the consequences of such activities.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz went as far as labeling the toe-sucking contest as "child abuse," prompting Walters to respond, "Completely agree. We are stopping this in Oklahoma." However, Walters' office did not immediately provide information on the current status of the investigation.