School says deaf boy’s name sign looks too much like a gun

A 3-year-old-deaf boy has been told by his Nebraska school district to change the way he signs his name because the gesture resembles shooting a gun.

Hunter Spanjer uses the standard S.E.E., Signing Exact English. He crosses his index and middle fingers and waves them slightly to signify his name. And, Grand Island Public Schools’ policy forbids any “instrument” that “looks like a weapon.”

A district spokesman told a Nebraska TV station the school was trying to come to the best solution for preschooler. They say they’re simply asking for a modification of the sign.

Brian Spanjer, the boys father, has begun a Facebook page devoted to protesting the school’s action.