Boy Suspended Indefinitely For Toy Gun That Isn’t A Gun And Looks Nothing Like A Gun
A 9-year-old Michigan boy has been suspended indefinitely for bringing a “toy gun” to school. Except it’s not a toy gun per se, and it doesn’t look anything like a gun.
These suspension stories just keep getting weirder, don’t they?
Gage, a student of the Creative Montessori Academy in Southgate, brought the toy to school to show to his friends before class. But when he pointed it at one of his chums and said “bang, bang,” well, that created a problem.
In light of his suspension and the uncertainty as to whether he’ll be allowed to finish out the school year, Gage’s parents argue that the toy isn’t intended to be a gun, and indeed, looks nothing like one. It’s actually a remote to a spinning top that be brought to school.
Other students have backed Gage up, as well. They say that Gage never actually said “bang, bang” and that the teacher who reported the incident had it all wrong.
Additionally, Gage suffers from epilepsy and can’t miss school, or else he’ll miss out on crucial reading and writing comprehension.
“They’re kids, they have imaginations,” said Gage’s father Jonathan Duff. “It doesn’t look like a gun.”
Montessori officials, meanwhile, say that Gage’s parents are lying. They say that the toy Gage brought to school did resemble a gun and that they have photos to prove it. The toy shown in the report (above) is not the toy Gage actually brought with him.
“The actual toy did actually resemble a gun,” said Tonya Holcomb, chief communications director for Choice Schools Associate. “This is a case of a look-alike weapon reported to be used as a toy gun.”
Still, even if it was a toy gun, an indefinite suspension seems a little steep for something that isn’t actually a weapon, doesn’t it? About that. School officials say they only suspended Gage for a day.
Additionally, Montessori has a zero tolerance policy for this kind of thing. Where have we heard that before.
The real tragedy here? Gage actually loves school. Come on, guys!
