William Rearick, Schools Superintendent of the Tiverton Public Schools in Rhode Island, has banned the Easter Bunny from appearing at a fundraising event at the Tiverton Middle School. He has also banned the word "Easter" from all school events. He told the Providence Journal that during the last year and a half, he has become "more aware of folks who don't have a Christian background." Taking the place of the Easter Bunny will be Peter Rabbit; children will be able to get their picture taken with him.
Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented on this today:
"I am astonished that Schools Superintendent Rearick only recently discovered Jews and Muslims. But better late than never. However, it was not a Jew or a Muslim who complained about the Easter Bunny — it was an ex-Catholic, Michael Burk; he is vice chairman of the school committee. No matter, I have news for Superintendent Rearick: he has not resolved the problem.
"It is unconscionable that in this day and age Superintendent Rearick would choose to honor a thief. As every schoolchild knows, Peter Rabbit stole from Mr. McGregor's garden. To now hold him up as a role model to impressionable youngsters sends the wrong signal. At the very least, grief counselors should be dispatched to the event.
"There is also a more serious matter going on. The event smacks of sexism: Peter Rabbit had three sisters — Flopsy, Mopsy and Cottontail — and there is no historical record of them ever having committed a crime. So why were they passed over? Looks like the glass ceiling is still in place.
"We urge everyone to register their outrage by contacting Superintendent Rearick at wrearick@tivertonschools.org. Tell him to bring the Easter Bunny back as only ex-Catholics are likely to be offended."
March 25th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
I love Bill Donohue's absurd commentary. His words are in perfect harmony with the statements by the superintendent.
March 26th, 2007 at 12:40 am
I saw the same thing in Illinois a couple years ago; a shopping mall was going to have Peter Rabbit show up so kids could visit him shortly before Easter, like he's a springtime Santa Claus. I don't remember seeing ads for Santa, but Peter hasn't been back since maybe 2004.
March 26th, 2007 at 7:09 am
What about "Here comes Peter Cottontail / hopping down the bunny trail / Hippity hoppity / Easter's on it's way"?
OK, here is what we need to do: we need to adopt Peter Cottontail as a symbol of Saint Peter. Then they will have to find something else to use.
March 26th, 2007 at 7:26 am
Oh, no! What shall Rearick do?!? Do you mean that Peter Cottontail is TAINTED by the evil hand of the Catholic Church?!? Secular numb-skulls of the world UNITE to drive Peter Cottontail from our collective memory! Peter Cottontail is the next one to be exorcised by secular society.
March 26th, 2007 at 11:28 am
It seems like rearick burk needs some political correction, like other jobs where they will not have peter rabbit bothering them
March 26th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Ooh, shame on me for not remembering Peter Cottontail!