Mississippi Asst. Principal Fired For Reading 'I Need A New Butt' Kids' Book To Second Graders

An assistant principal from Byram, Mississippi was fired after reading a children's book to a group of second graders.

Toby Price, of Gary Road Elementary School, was let go after reading I Need A New Butt, a book with a recommended age range of 6 years to 10 years, by New Zealand author Dawn McMillan.

In a March 7 Facebook post, Price confirmed his firing, saying he was terminated for "reading an awesome book to kids."

He wrote:

"Was recently fired for reading I Need a New Butt, to students."

"It’s a funny silly book. A book that kids love."

When asked about the incident, Price said:

“I didn’t think twice about reading it because I’ve never had an issue with it before."

“There are other books that have much more suggestive material that are much more widely accepted.”

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People familiar with the book were surprised by the school's reaction.

Price said his termination came "without warning."

Price said to WJTV News:

"I was very upset, I'm not going to lie."

"I did what I could to dry my face up."

Meanwhile, Joe Dillard, the former assistant principal's attorney, suggested this is a state-wide problem in Mississippi.

He said:

"There is a problem in the state in particular with respecting the rights of teachers to speak out."

Price is set to appear in a public hearing before the school board to appeal his termination.

Price set up a Go Fund Me to help his family with rent, food and legal bills.