Middle School Kids Suspended For 'Kicking Jews'

November 25, 2009 9:09 a.m. EST

Naples, FL (AHN) - Nearly one dozen North Naples Middle School children were suspended last week for participating in something called "kick a Jew day."

District Spokesman Joe Landon said one student reported being kicked because it was "kick a Jew day." The next day, the principal called for anyone with knowledge of similar incidents to come forth. This led to the suspension of 10 students. The students received one day of in-school suspension. Parents of the students who were assaulted were notified of the incident. Many parents were appalled. One called it a lesson in hate. However, one grandparent chalked it up to kids being kids and was not particularly concerned about the incident.

Similar incidents have occurred across the country. Recently, a middle school student in California was attacked by kids because a posting on Facebook declared that particular day "kick a Ginger day," targeting redheads. The incident was inspired by the popular, but irreverent cartoon "South Park."

Homeroom teachers at the Naples school will focus on bullying prevention and use the first 20 minutes of the day to focus on character traits, starting with respect and kindness. Naples is on the west coast of Florida, approximately 150 miles northwest of Miami.