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An assistant principal from Byram, Mississippi was fired after reading a children's book to a group of second graders.
Toby Price, of Gary Road Elementary School, was let go after reading I Need A New Butt, a book with a recommended age range of 6 years to 10 years, by New Zealand author Dawn McMillan.
In a March 7 Facebook post, Price confirmed his firing, saying he was terminated for "reading an awesome book to kids."
He wrote:
"Was recently fired for reading I Need a New Butt, to students."
"It’s a funny silly book. A book that kids love."
When asked about the incident, Price said:
“I didn’t think twice about reading it because I’ve never had an issue with it before."
“There are other books that have much more suggestive material that are much more widely accepted.”
You can see local news coverage here:
People familiar with the book were surprised by the school's reaction.
The people of Byram, MS need to lighten up.— Abbott Is A Plague Upon This Country (@Abbott Is A Plague Upon This Country) 1646855615
Everyone needs to follow this story, especially those of us in Library Media. #freedomtoread #bookbanning— Jen Legatt (@Jen Legatt) 1646793751
We need justice for Mr. Price! He was the best teacher I ever had in grade school, and I\u2019m sure he was an incredible assistant principal as well.https://twitter.com/hollyemerytv/status/1501376870096453638\u00a0\u2026— josh (@josh) 1646846111
This is real censorship. This is what happens when superintendents do not know what they are doing. Very few know anything about the primary school years. This is absurd. Shame on the school district.https://twitter.com/hollyemerytv/status/1501376870096453638\u00a0\u2026— Paulette Bearer (@Paulette Bearer) 1646804132
Price said his termination came "without warning."
Price said to WJTV News:
"I was very upset, I'm not going to lie."
"I did what I could to dry my face up."
Are you there @Oprah ? It\u2019s me Toby. Lost my job yesterday bc I read a book to kids. I\u2019m scared, nervous, embarrassed and sad. I have faith that all will be well. Thanks for listening.pic.twitter.com/a1Pgci2Kil— Toby Price (@Toby Price) 1646410068
This happened. \n\nAn assistant principal named #TobyPrice (@jedipadmaster) was fired in Mississippi for ready a book that is popular in a lot of schools. \n\nIf they can\u2019t ban the books fire the educators? Is that it? \n\nHappy \n#ReadAcrossAmerica week.https://twitter.com/jedipadmaster/status/1499779545846661120\u00a0\u2026— yvette nicole brown (@yvette nicole brown) 1646491645
I want to say thank you to everyone for their continued support. Spoke w two different news networks today. They were very positive. I\u2019m so beyond grateful for everyone\u2019s kindness. Pray for some peace to come. Leah and I are really exhausted.pic.twitter.com/suinxabPzZ— Toby Price (@Toby Price) 1646767764
An amazing educator needs your help!!! - fired for reading a book????\n #SaveTobi @DynamicDuda338 @DisruptEdToday @DrMBEdmunds @NJAutismThinkT @kerszi @JayBilly2 @AJBianco @bookgirl614 @ShivanPersadEDU @HeatherLieberm2 @mr_Alsheimer @mr_isaacs @RankinSchoolspic.twitter.com/89ISmthbtL— \ud835\udc02\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc07\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud83c\udfb8\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f\ud83e\udde9\ud83e\udd16 (@\ud835\udc02\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c\ud835\udc2d\ud835\udc28\ud835\udc29\ud835\udc21\ud835\udc1e\ud835\udc2b \ud835\udc07\ud835\udc1a\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc2b\ud835\udc22\ud835\udc2c \ud83c\udfb8\ud83c\udff4\u200d\u2620\ufe0f\ud83e\udde9\ud83e\udd16) 1646423346
Meanwhile, Joe Dillard, the former assistant principal's attorney, suggested this is a state-wide problem in Mississippi.
He said:
"There is a problem in the state in particular with respecting the rights of teachers to speak out."
Price is set to appear in a public hearing before the school board to appeal his termination.
Price set up a Go Fund Me to help his family with rent, food and legal bills.