Weapons Ban Challenged at High School -- But You Might Chuckle Over What Officials Are Actually Restricting

New London, Wis., is a picturesque small town of 7,242 about an hour west of Green Bay that boasts "the great outdoors are just outside your door."

Indeed, surrounded by 900 acres of parks and trails, New London is a "year-round scenic paradise" perfect for things like hiking, boating, fishing...and hunting.

Image source: WBAY-TV

Which explains why more than a few seniors at New London High School elected to don hunting garb and take along hunting gear for their yearbook photo shoots.

Unfortunately for them, the school district said those photos violate the school dress policies and aren't allowed in the yearbook, WBAY-TV in Green Bay reported.

"We are living in very challenging times," New London School District Superintendent Kathy Gwidt told WBAY, "and if there is in any way going to be an opportunity to connect something negative, whether it is through weaponry or another prop that is in question, those guidelines are going to be set."

Specifically, it's the use of hats or weapons that violates the dress policy in the student handbook, WBAY reported. Still, some seniors aren't taking it lying down.

"Hunting is a big part of my life, a big part of my family's lives," senior Brandon Stibb told WBAY. "It's just who I am."

"I'm going to stick with my one picture I sent in, and if they don't like it, I'm not going to be in the yearbook," senior Hunter MacDonald told WBAY. "I'm standing up for what I feel is right for my senior pictures, and if they don't like it, take me out of the yearbook."

Hunter MacDonald vowed to stick with his original yearbook photo. (Image source: WBAY-TV)

While Gwidt has since loosened the restrictions, saying it was unrealistic for students and their families to consult the student handbook on this issue, she maintains that photos displaying firearms or arrows still won't be allowed in the yearbook.

MacDonald said he doesn't see what damage such photos might do.

"I understand bringing a gun to school," he said, "but in a picture? I mean, it is harm to no one. It's not affecting anyone."

New London school administrators told WBAY they're working with school districts across the state to develop a new policy on senior pictures.

(H/T: WBAY-TV)

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