Hudson School District Apologizes for Screening Ashton Kutcher's 'I Pledge' Video

The Hudson School District is apologizing for showing Ashton Kutcher's "I Pledge" video to Hudson Middle School students on Wednesday as part of the Peace One Day event.

"The Middle School and District apologize for the use of the "I Pledge" video," a news release posted on the District's website reads. "The reason the video was used was to show students small ways to make a difference in their communities. Most of the video provided viewers with examples like: end hunger in America; volunteer more; always represent your country with pride, dignity and honesty; and care for America’s elderly.

"Unfortunately, the video also had a political slant. The District is non-partisan and does not endorse the political messages found in this video. This video will not be used in the District again."

Middle School Principal Dan Koch made the following announcement to students Thursday afternoon:

"The ‘I Pledge’ video we viewed yesterday included some messages about serving President Barak (sic) Obama. We apologize for any part of the video that was offensive to students, their families and staff. The video conveyed a message that people serve the presidency when in fact our elected officials serve the people. We respect the Office of the President of the United States but like all of our other elected officials, that office serves each of us as well. I sincerely hope that as participants in Wednesday's event what you took away from the experience was to choose to make a difference in your world."

"Although using the video was a mistake," the School District stated in the release, "the purpose of the event itself was to raise student awareness and encourage involvement in taking positive action in their schools and communities. We hope that the use of the video does not overshadow the value of the positive message of this event for our Middle School students."

The Middle School has been participating in the Peace One Day event since 2009.

According to Peace One Day organizers, the event has been recognized across the world by 280 million people in 198 countries. The purpose of this event is to encourage Middle School students to make a difference in their world locally, nationally and globally; and to respect oneself, family, friends, community and the environment.

Other student activities included viewing a brief Peace One Day video; introduction of school peace photo and poster contest; an opportunity to make individual pledges to "speak in a kind way, help others throughout the day, care for our earth and respect people in every land; and concluded with an annual school photo of students in the formation of a musical note exemplifying peace and harmony.