A Michigan elementary school outlawed a batch of homemade
cupcakes a third grader brought in for his birthday because the treats were adorned with little toy soldiers the principal called "insensitive."
Casey Fountain said his 9-year-old son Hunter helped bake the 30 chocolate cupcakes and decorated them with the green Army men that represent World War II soldiers. But when Fountain's wife delivered the cakes to the classroom, she was told the figurines would have to be removed if she wanted to serve the treats. Fountain suspects the school overreacted in light of the Dec. 14
Sandy Hook massacre in Newtown, Conn.
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"It disgusted me. It's vile they lump true American heroes with psychopathic killers," Fountain told Fox News. "I was offended. I support our soldiers and what they stand for. These [plastic soldiers] are representations of World War II soldiers, our greatest generation. If they aren't allowed in our schools, who is?"
Principal Susan Wright defended the decision not to allow the toy soldiers.
"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," she said in a 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."
This isn't the first time a teacher may have overreacted recently.
Last week, a teacher at an Illinois middle school threatened to suspend a 14-year-old
student, claiming his Marines T-shirt with guns on it violated the dress code.
"My son is very proud of the Marines, and, in fact, of all the services," Daniel McIntyre, the boy's father, told FoxNews.com. "So he wears it with pride. There are two rifles crossed underneath the word 'Marines' on the shirt, but to me that should be overlooked. It's more about the Marines instead of the rifles."
Similarly, in January, a 6-year-old boy was suspended from his Maryland elementary school for
pointing his finger like a gun at a classmate and saying "pow."
Two weeks later, two 6-year-old boys were
suspended for pointing their fingers like imaginary guns during a game of cops and robbers at a different Maryland elementary school.
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