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Boy Sent Home for Sketching Jesus

A school superintendent in Taunton, MA has been ordered to apologize to the family of an 8-year-old boy who was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after drawing a picture of Jesus on a cross.

“The mayor is very upset and angry,” said Todd Castro, assistant to Mayor Charles Crowley told FOX News Radio. “He spoke with the superintendent this morning and is looking for her to make a public apology and a private apology to the family.”

According to the Taunton Daily Gazette, a boy at Maxham Elementary School was instructed to sketch something that reminded him of Christmas. The child had just returned from a visit to the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette – so he drew a stick-figure of Jesus on the cross.

The boy’s father, who asked not to be identified, told the newspaper he received a call from the school telling him his son had created a violent drawing. “As far as I’m concerned, they’re violating his religion,” he said.

He was referred by a mutual friend to Toni Saunders, an educational consultant that helps children with special needs. “The father was so angry at what had happened to his son,” she told FOX News Radio. “It didn’t make sense to him.”

“I’m so angry at what has happened,” she said, puzzled at how a picture of Jesus on the cross could violate the school’s code of violence. “I don’t understand it and the father didn’t understand it.”

Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League agreed, telling FOX News Radio: “We’re going to question the mental state of the child for simply drawing a picture of Christ crucified? There’s something serious going on this school.”

The father, who asked not to be identified, told the local newspaper his son has never shown any violent tendencies.

Castro said city residents are outraged over the story. The mayor, who is on vacation in Florida, was immediately notified once the story broke. “It’s obvious this was not handled properly by school officials,” he said.

Castro said the school district has been ordered to reimburse the family for the psychological exam as well as implement procedures to “make sure similar incidents are avoided in the future.”
The superintendent, who answers to the mayor, did not return calls for a comment.

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9 Comments

  1. Chef David

    December 15, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    Absolutely outrageous! They absolutely did violate his religion. Oh that’s right he is Christian he isn’t allowed to be offended by anything. I bet if it was a picture of Muhammad there would have been no violation.

    I know it isn’t socially acceptable to believe this but Christmas is a Holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus. I know I know…CRAZY! Maybe I should see the psychiatrist.

    • dusaa-1975

      July 10, 2010 at 1:22 am

      last Christmas i P.O.'d some family and friends when i sent out religious Christmas cards. some of them felt it was in poor taste to send religious cards because not everyone believes in Jesus.

  2. Roland Curry

    December 16, 2009 at 6:46 pm

    Way to go parents! Protect our children, their rights, and don't be afraid to be a Christian anymore!

  3. john

    December 22, 2009 at 2:59 am

    I want to see this picture before I pass judgement. I ask honestly: how violent does the drawing of a man being nailed to a piece of wood have to be before someone raises their eyebrows?

  4. Carla Ramirez

    March 19, 2010 at 9:42 am

    The superintendent was ordered to apologize?
    By who?
    Who has authority to order the superintendent to do anything?

  5. Mark Stise

    May 7, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    W need to get these people fired!!! They don't belong in the public school system… My god what are they thinking??!!

  6. Mark Stise

    May 7, 2010 at 3:01 pm

    W need to get these people fired!!! They don't belong in the public school system… My god what are they thinking??!!

  7. Kelly

    July 17, 2010 at 12:48 am

    I take it the first amendment is not taught in the school. I take it the superintendent dosent know the first amendment by heart unless it is only protecting someones right to make porn. Or hate Americans or hate the flag or christians. free speech and all that.
    Separation of church and state clause everyone tries to throw around isent applicable here. You or anyone can else can pray anywhere you want. You can express your beleifs anywhere anytime you want. If you are a teacher a student or a policeman or military or congress rep . This is for EVERYOBE. If someone elses freedom of speech or freedom of religion is offensive to you then obviosuly you have a severe tolerance problem. GET OVER IT ALREADY.
    Siperintendent violated this childs first amendment rights. Period.

  8. Hawaiian Eye

    August 10, 2010 at 4:14 am

    Was the superintendant a former Nazi or commie?