Jackson, Mich. — A piece of artwork by an 11-year-old from Hanover-Horton Elementary School is making national headlines after a classmate brought concerns to their teacher’s attention last month.
A statement from Hanover-Horton Schools superintendent John Denney said, “It is unfortunate that a one-sided narrative has been created on social media that paints our staff in a negative light. In this case, a student appropriately brought concerns to the attention of our staff. In response, our staff handled the situation with compassion and discretion. Staff contacted the student’s parents to discuss the situation. No student was singled out or ostracized. Every effort was made to protect the privacy and dignity of all students.”
The drawing depicts a pig in a bowtie, but according to a TikTok video posted by the mother of the student, Sierra Carter, there was concern on the school’s behalf that the bowtie resembled male genitalia and the artwork was confiscated.
According to TODAY.com, Carter has since pulled her daughter from the school.