News School Says Deaf Boy's Name Sign Looks Too Much Like A Gun - Page 2

teedubya · 06-03-2013, 01:45 PM

School Says Deaf Boy's Name Sign Looks Too Much Like A Gun

You can’t make this stuff up. The good news: 3-year-old Hunter Spanjer, who is deaf, knows how to sign his name. The bad news: His school says his hand sign looks too much like a gun and has asked him to change it.

The school, in Grand Island, Nebraska, is forcing Hunter to change the way he signs his name, because they say his gestures violate their weapons policy. Lunacy reigns supreme, America.

Hunter’s personalized name sign is a registered sign with Signing Exact English – a modified form of American Sign Language – and involves extended index fingers that the district says resembles a gun. “We are working with the parents to come to the best solution we can for the child,” said Jack Sheard, Grand Island Public Schools spokesperson. Really, Jack? I have a suggestion: Take your heads out of your butts and allow him to use the registered sign for his name. Problem solved.

As reported by 1011now.com, Grand Island’s “Weapons in Schools” Board Policy 8470 forbids “any instrument…that looks like a weapon.” But a three year-old’s hands? Here’s Hunter’s dad, Brian:

“He’s deaf, and his name sign, they say, is a violation of their weapons policy. It’s a symbol. It’s an actual sign, a registered sign, through S.E.E.”

Hunter’s parents say that by Monday, lawyers from the National Association of the Deaf are likely to weigh in for Hunter’s right to sign his own name.

Despite whatever rules and regulations may exist, some Grand Islanders said they don’t think it’s right to make a three year-old change the way he says his name.

“It’s his name. It’s not like he’s going to bring a gun to school when he’s three years old,” commented Dana Schwieger.

“I find it very difficult to believe that the sign language that shows his name resembles a gun in any way would even enter a child’s mind,” said Fredda Bartenbach.

First, an 8-year-old boy in Baltimore is suspended from school for allegedly chewing his Pop-Tart into the shape of a handgun. Then, a 6-year-old Massachusetts boy is forced to apologize for “traumatizing” his schoolmates on the bus by brandishing a tiny – the size of a quarter – Lego-figure gun. And now, a 3-year-old deaf child may be forced to change the only sign he knows for his name.

And all because of what? Overreaction? Politically correctness? Mass hysteria among school officials or just downright stupidity? Whatever the reason, does it really matter? The bottom line is this: This nonsense is out of control. Period. Get a grip, people.

I wonder if the sign for “get a grip” looks like an “assault” rifle?

**Saul Good** · 06-03-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcellus

My step son was sent home from school a few years ago for pointing his finger like a gun at another kid on the playground. I think he was in 4th grade.

No shit.

To be fair, pointing your index finger while holding up your thumb in order to mimic a gun is VERY realistic.

**notorious** · 06-03-2013, 06:51 PM

**fan4ever** · 06-03-2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teedubya

If I have another kid, I'm gonna name him M-16 Uzi Terrorist

That deserves on of these:

**CrazyPhuD** · 06-03-2013, 08:22 PM

Frank Lautenberg is rolling in his grave that the kid wasn't immediately sent to juvy hall!

Psyko Tek · 06-03-2013, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by teedubya

School Says Deaf Boy's Name Sign Looks Too Much Like A Gun

You can’t make this stuff up. The good news: 3-year-old Hunter Spanjer, who is deaf, knows how to sign his name. The bad news: His school says his hand sign looks too much like a gun and has asked him to change it.

The school, in Grand Island, Nebraska, is forcing Hunter to change the way he signs his name, because they say his gestures violate their weapons policy. Lunacy reigns supreme, America.

Hunter’s personalized name sign is a registered sign with Signing Exact English – a modified form of American Sign Language – and involves extended index fingers that the district says resembles a gun. “We are working with the parents to come to the best solution we can for the child,” said Jack Sheard, Grand Island Public Schools spokesperson. Really, Jack? I have a suggestion: Take your heads out of your butts and allow him to use the registered sign for his name. Problem solved.

As reported by 1011now.com, Grand Island’s “Weapons in Schools” Board Policy 8470 forbids “any instrument…that looks like a weapon.” But a three year-old’s hands? Here’s Hunter’s dad, Brian:

“He’s deaf, and his name sign, they say, is a violation of their weapons policy. It’s a symbol. It’s an actual sign, a registered sign, through S.E.E.”

Hunter’s parents say that by Monday, lawyers from the National Association of the Deaf are likely to weigh in for Hunter’s right to sign his own name.

Despite whatever rules and regulations may exist, some Grand Islanders said they don’t think it’s right to make a three year-old change the way he says his name.

“It’s his name. It’s not like he’s going to bring a gun to school when he’s three years old,” commented Dana Schwieger.

“I find it very difficult to believe that the sign language that shows his name resembles a gun in any way would even enter a child’s mind,” said Fredda Bartenbach.

First, an 8-year-old boy in Baltimore is suspended from school for allegedly chewing his Pop-Tart into the shape of a handgun. Then, a 6-year-old Massachusetts boy is forced to apologize for “traumatizing” his schoolmates on the bus by brandishing a tiny – the size of a quarter – Lego-figure gun. And now, a 3-year-old deaf child may be forced to change the only sign he knows for his name.

And all because of what? Overreaction? Politically correctness? Mass hysteria among school officials or just downright stupidity? Whatever the reason, does it really matter? The bottom line is this: This nonsense is out of control. Period. Get a grip, people.

I wonder if the sign for “get a grip” looks like an “assault” rifle?

I grew up in NE
when the hell did it become PC there?
used to be suck it up, rub some dirt in it and go on
and hunter isn't a name it's a job
or hobby

InChiefsHeaven · 06-03-2013, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Psyko Tek

I grew up in NE
when the hell did it become PC there?
used to be suck it up, rub some dirt in it and go on
and hunter isn't a name it's a job
or hobby

Being from here, this does surprise me. And pisses me off. What a bunch of idiots. This is just going to require the community and the parents to raise hell about the PC reerunedness and either get the school to show some damn common sense or get rid of the school board...Jeeeeez...

KChiefer · 06-03-2013, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InChiefsHell

Being from here, this does surprise me. And pisses me off. What a bunch of idiots. This is just going to require the community and the parents to raise hell about the PC reerunedness and either get the school to show some damn common sense or get rid of the school board...Jeeeeez...

They already came to a resolution which toadkiller posted a link to, but don't let that stop everyone from continuing to "outrage" about this half-year-old story that was better suited for DC in the first place.

LOCOChief · 06-03-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefer

They already came to a resolution which toadkiller posted a link to, but don't let that stop everyone from continuing to "outrage" about this half-year-old story that was better suited for DC in the first place.

I think the point is that for this to have been considered in the first place is beyond moronic and there should be outrage.

**luv** · 06-03-2013, 10:11 PM

The story in my feed included the update that it was an old story that had already been settled. He got to keep his name.

**lewdog** · 06-03-2013, 10:14 PM

Nebraska still sucks.

Nothing new here.

crossbow · 06-03-2013, 10:21 PM

Perhaps this bullshit is why kids are going postal in schools now days.

**wazu** · 06-03-2013, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOCOChief

I think the point is that for this to have been considered in the first place is beyond moronic and there should be outrage.

Even the resolution pisses me off. The parents basically caved if I'm reading it right, changing to use a different sign that is ASL. They talk about open communication between parents and school as if there ought to be. ****. That. Even if it had been brought up as a polite request for him to change, it would be beyond outrageous. This is a "fire everyone" level of insane/stupid.

KChiefer · 06-03-2013, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LOCOChief

I think the point is that for this to have been considered in the first place is beyond moronic and there should be outrage.

I think the point is that it's been resolved yet ppl still want to piss and moan.

KChiefer · 06-03-2013, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wazu

Even the resolution pisses me off. The parents basically caved if I'm reading it right, changing to use a different sign that is ASL. They talk about open communication between parents and school as if there ought to be. ****. That. Even if it had been brought up as a polite request for him to change, it would be beyond outrageous. This is a "fire everyone" level of insane/stupid.

Why don't you name your kid "**** you" and see how long that gesture is allowed.

**mdchiefsfan** · 06-04-2013, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KChiefer

Why don't you name your kid "**** you" and see how long that gesture is allowed.

Yea, because the sign for Hunter is on the same level as far as gestures go as **** You

06-03-2013, 01:45 PM
teedubya Most Valuable Poster Join Date: Oct 2003 Casino cash: $9490002	School Says Deaf Boy's Name Sign Looks Too Much Like A Gun School Says Deaf Boy's Name Sign Looks Too Much Like A Gun You can’t make this stuff up. The good news: 3-year-old Hunter Spanjer, who is deaf, knows how to sign his name. The bad news: His school says his hand sign looks too much like a gun and has asked him to change it. The school, in Grand Island, Nebraska, is forcing Hunter to change the way he signs his name, because they say his gestures violate their weapons policy. Lunacy reigns supreme, America. Hunter’s personalized name sign is a registered sign with Signing Exact English – a modified form of American Sign Language – and involves extended index fingers that the district says resembles a gun. “We are working with the parents to come to the best solution we can for the child,” said Jack Sheard, Grand Island Public Schools spokesperson. Really, Jack? I have a suggestion: Take your heads out of your butts and allow him to use the registered sign for his name. Problem solved. As reported by 1011now.com, Grand Island’s “Weapons in Schools” Board Policy 8470 forbids “any instrument…that looks like a weapon.” But a three year-old’s hands? Here’s Hunter’s dad, Brian: “He’s deaf, and his name sign, they say, is a violation of their weapons policy. It’s a symbol. It’s an actual sign, a registered sign, through S.E.E.” Hunter’s parents say that by Monday, lawyers from the National Association of the Deaf are likely to weigh in for Hunter’s right to sign his own name. Despite whatever rules and regulations may exist, some Grand Islanders said they don’t think it’s right to make a three year-old change the way he says his name. “It’s his name. It’s not like he’s going to bring a gun to school when he’s three years old,” commented Dana Schwieger. “I find it very difficult to believe that the sign language that shows his name resembles a gun in any way would even enter a child’s mind,” said Fredda Bartenbach. First, an 8-year-old boy in Baltimore is suspended from school for allegedly chewing his Pop-Tart into the shape of a handgun. Then, a 6-year-old Massachusetts boy is forced to apologize for “traumatizing” his schoolmates on the bus by brandishing a tiny – the size of a quarter – Lego-figure gun. And now, a 3-year-old deaf child may be forced to change the only sign he knows for his name. And all because of what? Overreaction? Politically correctness? Mass hysteria among school officials or just downright stupidity? Whatever the reason, does it really matter? The bottom line is this: This nonsense is out of control. Period. Get a grip, people. I wonder if the sign for “get a grip” looks like an “assault” rifle?
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06-03-2013, 06:51 PM	#17
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $2945884
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06-03-2013, 08:22 PM	#19
CrazyPhuD Meow Join Date: Jun 2005 Casino cash: $10005050	Frank Lautenberg is rolling in his grave that the kid wasn't immediately sent to juvy hall! __________________ "Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t*rd by the clean end"
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06-03-2013, 10:11 PM	#24
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $6249600	The story in my feed included the update that it was an old story that had already been settled. He got to keep his name.
Posts: 63,426

06-03-2013, 10:14 PM	#25
lewdog Mod Team Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Valley of the hot as **** Casino cash: $1921900	Nebraska still sucks. Nothing new here.
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06-03-2013, 10:21 PM	#26
crossbow King of Sarcasm Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: at home Casino cash: $10004900	Perhaps this bullshit is why kids are going postal in schools now days.
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