Featured Image Credit: WLBT
Topics: US News
Cameron Frew
An assistant principal in Mississippi has been sacked after his choice of book was deemed too inappropriate for students.
Toby Price, former assistant principal for Gary Road Elementary School, was recently let go without any warning for 'reading an awesome book to kids', as per his Facebook post.
Last week, he was asked to read to a class of second-grade students over Zoom after a guest reader failed to make an appearance. However, according to his termination letter from the superintendent of the Hinds County School District, Price showed 'a lack of professionalism and impaired judgment' for the book he picked.
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'My boss had asked me to set up a Zoom with the second-grade classes and the principal at the school they’re going to be at next year, and she was going to read to them. And she didn’t show,' he told WLBT.
Stepping up to the plate, he opted to read Dawn McMillan's book, I Need a New Butt. 'I grabbed one of my favourite books that I had nearby, I read it to them. It’s a funny, silly book. I didn't think twice about reading it because I've never had an issue with it before. There are other books that have much more suggestive material that are much more widely accepted,' he said.
I Need a New Butt isn't some non-fiction book about cosmetic surgery - it's actually for children. 'A young boy suddenly notices a big problem — his butt has a huge crack! So he sets off to find a new one. Will he choose an armour-plated butt? A rocket butt? A robot butt? Find out in this quirky tale of a tail, which features hilarious rhymes and delightful illustrations. Children and parents will love this book — no ifs, ands, or butts about it!' the synopsis reads.
From Price's perspective, his firing was a 'pretty harsh reaction... I’ve been in education for 20 years. I’ve never had a disciplinary anything put in my file, not even for being late. So, I was blown away.'
In the wake of being sacked, Price has set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds to take care of his household bills, in addition to paying his lawyer.
'It’s a funny silly book. A book that kids love. I am just looking for some help to pay bills while I look for another job. I have two kids with autism and another BPD. Thank you for helping. We have found an attorney and need help with the fee. That’s why we made changes to this campaign,' it reads.
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