Big Controversy Over Tiny Toy Gun In Staten Island School

The mother of a 9-year-old who was reprimanded for playing with a tiny LEGO-sized toy gun during lunchtime might sue the principal who punished him. "This principal is a bully and a coward, and needs to be held accountable," said Laura Timoney, 44, whose son Patrick was brought to the principal's office, forced to sign a statement, and nearly suspended after being spotted playing with the miniature weapon. "The school should be embarrassed. This is a common-sense issue."

After meeting with PS 52 Principal Evelyn Mastroianni, Patrick's mother told the Daily News she expects and apology and may file suit. "Why didn't anyone step up with an ounce of common sense and put an end to the harassment of my child?" she asked. Mastroianni hasn't commented on the incident, though a Department of Education spokesperson told WCBS: "The principal reported that the student brought in a 2-inch toy gun, which is not permitted in the school. She called the parents and held a conference with the parent and the student. The issue has been resolved."

Here's video about the kerfuffle:

For his part, Patrick—who apparently likes to play with the toy weapon and LEGO police officer because his father is a retired cop—said he learned his lesson. "I'm never bringing a toy to school again," he said.

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By Ben Muessig in News on February 4, 2010 2:00 PM

Comments [rss]

NannyState

That pricipal was later seen at a Walgreens loading up in the toy section to beef up her own firepower.

TKaisen

Back when it was OK for boys to play with GI Joe and Transformers, this would have resulted in half the school being suspended.

Sketto

The school should settle out of court by giving the mom a crisp $500 in Monopoly money.

potsmoker

how can someone force a parent to sign a statement.

hahha, thats great...

toy gun, next make the kid a gun out of actual legos and see what happens!

lets make a list now, drawing a gun, drawing jesus on the cross, boy scout bringing a swiss army knife, point your finger like a gun, rapping about guns, i feel sorry for the kid but hes a white kid in a suburban school, black kids dont have to draw, rap, or do anything they are just treated like criminals by the police and schools.

theplanetofchuck

This is obviously a complete over reaction on the principals part. But the mom wants to file suit c'mon. I hope that when the judge gets a hold of the papers he takes a big steaming dump on them, hands them back to the mother, and says, "case dismissed."

Mr. Shankly

True, but making the principal and the policy look foolish is worth it.

robingee

There's no need to sue over every little thing. That is ALSO teaching the wrong thing to your kid. Someone makes a bonehead move? SUE. For what? Um... mental anguish?

No case.

Schooled

The gun looks HUGE next to its Lego cop.

But really, is this worth all the attention it's getting? It is a silly situation, but Principals - especially at the elementary level - have to cover their behinds with everything. Imitation (and real) guns aren't allowed - so there you go. It seems ridiculous, but it's not like the kid was cuffed and actually punished. Then again, I'm sure this could have been a simple note home about leaving this kind of toy at school. Those t-shirts with guns on them aren't allowed in the schools either. And those can't even poke your eye out.

In the interview, it sounds like the reason for the conference was that the kid was upset that his toy was taken away and the mother was going to get the gun back.

JenChungsBaby

You might be able to put an eye out with that thing.

Abbott

This is pretty stupid. Stupid that the principal dragged the parents down to the school for a conference, and stupid that the mother is now flipping out about it.

Outter Burrougher

parents absolutely should flip out over zero tolerance rules. school is supposed to teach our children how to think; zero tolerance is entirely about not allowing administrators to think.

evbo

If it was your kid you might not think the mom was so stupid. The lack of common sense on the school's part is fucking breathtaking.

Rocknrope

I think that the problem may have been, that there was a Stonehenge monument on the stage that was in danger of being crushed, by a dwarf. Alright? That tended to understate the hugeness of the object.

jibbly

We have to ask ourselves this about the toy gun,"How much more black could this be?" And the answer is none. None more black.

csk

This suit is worth at least as much as the baton guy's.

imadick

ha! that should lure some trolls out of their hiding spots. but i would have went for "the suit is worth at least as much as the michael vick thing"