Brownstown Elementary Schools Removes President Trump Pumpkin From Contest
BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — A Jackson County elementary school removed a “Trumpkin” from a carved pumpkin contest due to backlash from parents who called parts of the display offensive.
The pumpkin display was part of an annual faculty charity pumpkin carving contest. Parents say there is one particular entry that they say went too far.
Brownstown Elementary School says historical, cartoon and pop culture figures are often depicted on the competing pumpkins.
Holly Ellis said one entry stood out when she saw the school’s Facebook post about the contest.
“I looked at the picture further and there was a wall built behind him, the Trump 2020 flag in the background, as well as the Make America Great Again slogans on the hat and on the mug, and that to me was the bigger issue,” Ellis said.
Ellis posted a comment expressing her concerns to the picture that has since been deleted.
“I am a teacher myself and know that my political views are not to be shared in the classroom. We can talk educationally. but not for or against a candidate in any way,” Ellis said.
It wasn’t the depiction of the president himself Ellis felt was inappropriate.
“If it had just been the pumpkin dressed as the president by itself, I have no issue with that. I really don’t. But it was everything else on top of it,” Ellis said.
Though she doesn’t feel it was meant to be malicious, Ellis still has some concerns.
“School should be a safe place for all children, no matter what, no matter how they got here. No matter who their parents are. No matter what, school should be a safe place and that display was the opposite of that,” Ellis said.
The school has also taken down the display inside the building.
Tim Taylor, Superintendent of Brownstown Central Community Schools released the following statement:
Every fall, the Brownstown Elementary staff has a pumpkin decorating contest as a charity fundraiser. A variety of historical, pop-culture, storybook, and cartoon characters are typically depicted and were depicted this year. One of the pumpkins this year depicted President Trump. A parent expressed concern and, when it was realized that the display had offended a member of the community, the school immediately removed the pumpkin. The goal of this and all Brownstown-Central School events is to maintain an apolitical and inclusive environment. We apologize to anyone who was offended by what we believe to be an innocent act. At Brownstown Central we are sensitive to cultural issues and promote diversity, and we will continue to hold seasonal events in support of non-profit organizations in our community.
(PHOTO: WISH-TV)
