© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
School Allegedly Asks Deaf Preschooler to Change His Name Because Sign Language Resembles 'Weapons
August 28, 2012
"Anybody that I have talked to thinks this is absolutely ridiculous. This is not threatening in any way"
Hunter Spanjer demonstrates the sign for his name. (Photo: 10/11)
A deaf 3-year-old from Nebraska is being asked by the school district to change his name, his family alleges, because the way he refers to himself in sign language resembles "weapons."
Apparently the Grand Island school district has a policy that prevents students from bringing "any instrument...that looks like a weapon" to school, and now hands can be considered "instruments."
"Anybody that I have talked to thinks this is absolutely ridiculous. This is not threatening in any way," Hunter Spanjer's grandmother Janet Logue said.
Brian Spanjer, the boy's father, added: "It's a symbol. It's an actual sign, a registered sign, through S.E.E. [Signing Exact English]"
Hunter signs his name by crossing his middle and index fingers-- leaving his thumbs up-- and then wagging his hands.
The school is claiming the entire matter is a "misunderstanding" -- but still wants Hunter to change his name.
Administrators say the issue has nothing to do with guns or weapons, just that the gesture is "not an appropriate thing to do in school."
School spokesman Jack Sheard told the New York Daily News that rather than the condensed sign he uses now, they want him to spell out his name, letter by letter.
"We want to do what is best for every student in our district, and we care more about that than everything else," Sheard remarked. "We are working with the parents to find the best solution we can."
Apparently, local residents are not pleased with the school district.
Grand Islander Dana Schwieger said: "It's his name...It's not like he's going to bring a gun to school when he's 3-years old."
Want to leave a tip?
We answer to you. Help keep our content free of advertisers and big tech censorship by leaving a tip today.
Want to join the conversation?
Already a subscriber?
more stories
Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 Blaze Media LLC. All rights reserved.
Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content that may sometimes include advertisements. You may opt out at any time.