Erich Henze said "it's not fair" he won't be able to perform his body fart act in his school's talent show. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WJBK) -
A local first grader is banned from his school's talent show because his act is deemed "inappropriate."
Erich Henze is seven years old, and he is a fun-loving first grader at Violet Elementary School in St. Clair Shores.
He was "really excited" about the talent show coming up. He was perfecting his performance, and mom signed the permission slip.
"I said, 'Mom, sign this because I just want to do the arm fart for the talent show,'" said Erich.
"Body Farts by Erich Henze. He can armpit fart. He can leg fart, neck fart, ear fart. It's a pretty good act. Really funny," said Emily Henze, his mom. "I got a call from the principal yesterday morning. She informed me that bodily noises were inappropriate and would not be acceptable in the talent show."
What does mom think this says to her son?
"Not to be yourself," she said. "Everybody takes things so serious. We're talking about a seven-year-old and armpit farts. There could be so many other worse things, and I don't agree with her decision, and I think I have hundreds and hundreds of people that stand behind the way I think."
The superintendent said he stands by the principal's decision 100 percent, saying that there is a time and place for everything, and in this case body farting is frowned upon. I asked Erich if he can't do that one man show, will he do a different one?
"If they won't let me do it, I won't. I'll just watch," he said. "It's funny. It's not inappropriate."
"I don't think anyone would be offended. I don't think anyone would do anything but laugh," said mom.
Erich's dilemma will likely spark some debate. Which side are you on? Is the principal pitting against him or is this school right for this rule? Post your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.
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