A school is being criticized over a Halloween display that had the name of a famous figure on it.
A fundraiser West Parish Elementary School in Massachusetts included a bean bag toss game with tombstones.
Some parents, however, noticed that one read, “Don Trump,” and weren’t pleased. In fact, they were offended and felt uncomfortable, CBS Boston reported.
They sent images of the offending tombstone to Massachusetts Republican Party Committeewoman Amanda Orlando Kesterson, who then posted it on her Facebook page in an attempt to raise awareness of the issue.
She wrote, in full:
“I was sent this photo which depicts decorations from last night’s Halloween party at West Parish Elementary School. As you can see, the middle tombstone has the name of the president on it.
I find it absolutely despicable that the PTO of one of our local elementary schools would bring this political agenda before our children. The parents or teachers responsible for this disgusting display should claim responsibility publicly and apologize publicly as well. If it was an employee of our school system, I expect Dr. Safier to deal appropriately with this individual for this political ploy which has no place in our schools.
Donald Trump is our president and he deserves respect. We should teach our children that the office of the president ALWAYS deserves respect. Our school system is not the place for nasty political agendas.”
Principal Telena S. Imel attempted to downplay the tombstone as a joke.
“This event was fun and it was successful due to the efforts of many families. Unfortunately, however, one game brought in by a parent included the name of our president painted on a tombstone,” Imel told MassLive. “A number of attendees rightfully felt that it showed disrespect. And, intentionally or not, it inappropriately brought a political agenda into what was designated to be a fun family affair,” she said.
Parents on both sides of the political spectrum described it as tasteless.
“It’s not the place for an elementary school to put something like that out there, regardless of what your opinion of the president is,” said Michelle Skalski, a mother of three, as the Boston Herald reported.
“If someone had put Obama’s name on a tombstone, there would be outrage.”
“No matter who you voted for, it’s unacceptable in an elementary school,” Skalski said. “It’s a little young to place your opinion in their little minds. We’re supposed to be teaching them not to be what the president is being. I don’t think anyone should be fired over it. But it was poor judgment.”
Another parent, Sarah Patrick, said that politics should be kept out of the classroom.
“School exists to educate children and teach them to think for themselves and to be respectful of other people’s viewpoints, so it’s not a place for politics,” said Patrick.
