An Assistant Principal in Mississippi was dismissed after reading the children’s book “I Need A New Butt!” to a second-grade class. Toby Price stepped in for a guest reader who failed to appear on Zoom and decided to share one of his favorite books. “I texted my boss, and she said, ‘Well, go ahead and read.’ I wasn’t planning on reading, but I went ahead and grabbed one of my books that I had nearby. One of my favorites. I read it: I Need a New Butt! It’s hilarious,” he explained to CBS. Price had previously read this book without any issues at his former school, stating, “It’s just a fun, silly book.”
About the Book
The story, authored by Dawn McMillan and illustrated by Ross Kinnaird, follows a boy on a humorous quest to find a new backside after discovering a crack in his own. The book is explicitly designed for young readers, especially those who find humor in silly themes. An hour after reading to the children, Price was summoned to the principal’s office and placed on administrative leave. By March 4, he was officially terminated. The dismissal letter from Hinds County School District Superintendent Delesicia Martin cited “failure to demonstrate conduct that follows generally recognized professional standards” and “needlessly expos[ing] students to unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement.”
Community Backlash
Price’s firing has sparked backlash from parents, former students, and community members, many of whom have rallied to support him. He has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with legal fees and to support his family, stating, “I am just looking for some help to pay bills while I look for another job. I have two kids with autism and another with BPD. Thank you for helping.”
A Broader Trend
This incident is part of a broader trend of book bans, with many controversial texts focusing on topics like systemic racism or sexual orientation. Price expressed concerns over the pressures teachers face, noting, “Teachers already have so much else to worry about when they come into a building: One, getting fired over test scores; two, is someone going to come in and shoot up the building? Or am I going to catch COVID?” He emphasized the need for greater advocacy for educators.
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Summary
An Assistant Principal in Mississippi was fired for reading “I Need A New Butt!” to students, an action deemed inappropriate by school officials. The book, popular with young children, led to backlash from the community, and Price is seeking support to challenge his termination.