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A Denton ISD assistant principal was removed from his post this week after a childrens book he wrote containing a popular internet character that has since become co-opted by the so-called alt-right an offshoot of conservatism mixing racism, white nationalism and populism caused controversy within the school district.

According to theDallas Morning News, The Adventures of Pepe and Pede author Eric Hauser was removed from his position as assistant principal of Rodriguez Middle School in Oak Point Monday.

Astatement released Monday by the school district said:

Mr. Hauser, who has strived to be an author on his own accord, recently released a childrens book that drew controversy to himself and the district. The book is the creative property of Mr. Hauser and is not tied with the district, its curriculum or instructional materials - yet the attention it brought him and the books implied message has been a distraction to his colleagues across Denton ISD.

Pepe the Frog started out as an internet comic book character in 2005, first appearing in Matt FuriesBoys Club comic. With a human body and a frog face, the punch line for thefirst issue of the series came when Pepe was caught urinating with his pants around his ankles. His rationale:Feels good, man.

Since Pepes first appearance, the character has been co-opted by the so-called alt-right movement. In 2015, then-presidential nominee Donald Trumptweeted a caricature of his body with Pepes face standing at the presidential podium. Later, after Hillary Clintons basket of deplorables comment about Trump and his supporters, Pepe appeared in anonline illustration of The Deplorables, meant as a send-up of Sylvester StallonesThe Expendables action movie series.

According to the DMN, Hausers Pepe and Pedefollows Pepe and a centipede named Pede living on Wishington Farm that has a new farmer. The pair save a pond that was taken over by a bearded alligator named Alkah and his minions by using truth blossoms from the honesty tree.

Hauser said he doesn't align with the alt-right at all and said chose Pepe because he's a funny, lovable character. The same goes for Pede, he said, which is short for centipede.

Hauser said in a statement to the DMN that he was aware the Pepe was a conservative meme, but not that it was a part of a racist movement. He said he was unaware of the implications of the character until afterThe Adventures of Pepe and Pede was published on Aug. 1.

"Due to the controversy surrounding the book I have published, I think it's best that I not serve as assistant principal at Rodriguez," he said inthe statement released by Denton ISD.

Read more:
Denton ISD administrator removed after authoring children's book featuring Pepe the Frog - Austin American-Statesman