The nationwide panic over anything remotely related to guns continues apace as a third grader in Michigan was reprimanded by school officials when he brought a cupcake to school with a plastic toy soldier on top of it.
The school allows students to bring cupcakes to class when it is their birthday. However, these tasty treats were immediately labeled “insensitive” by teachers after the boy’s mother placed a soldier on top of each of the 30 cakes.
The toy solider, a favorite of kids for generations, and recently rejuvenated by the Pixar “Toy Story” series of films, is now apparently terroristic, according to the principal at Schall Elementary School, who confiscated the evil figurines.
The head called the boy’s father, Casey Fountain, and told him that his actions were inappropriate considering “recent gun related tragedies”.
Fountain was fuming and decided to take the story to local news station WNEM TV5.
The School is standing by the decision. The principal refused to speak to reporters, but released the following statement:
“In the climate of recent events in schools we walk a delicate balance in teaching non-violence in our buildings and trying to ensure a safe, peaceful atmosphere. On one hand, there are those who advocate arming teachers, having armed security guards and creating a fortress of defense in our schools. On the other hand, there are those who feel that guns create fear in schools and we need to put solid security measures in place plus practice routines to be prepared in case an emergency should ever occur. Living in a democratic society entails respect for opposing opinions.
Recently, a third grade boy brought cupcakes to school with plastic soldiers carrying weapons atop each one. These are toys that were commonplace in the past. However some parents prohibit all guns as toys. In light of that difference, the school offered to replace the soldiers with another item and the soldiers were returned home with the student.
In hindsight, one can always second guess a course of action. Schools walk a tightrope on many topics. By not permitting toy soldiers on cupcakes at school, no disrespect for our military or for the brave men and women who defend our right to have differences was intended. Our commitment is always to our children and creating a safe place for them to learn, grow and have respectful dialogues about their differences”
As we have seen over the past few weeks, in the wake of the Sandy Hook shooting, these kind of ridiculous knee jerk overreactions at schools are now a daily occurrence.
Last week, a 7-year-old boy from Maryland was suspended for unintentionally biting his pop tart into the shape of a gun.