Grayson Bruce, the 9-year-old boy who gained national attention after being told he couldn’t wear his My Little Pony backpack to school, received good news this week.
According to a statement posted on the Buncombe County (North Carolina) School District’s Facebook page, the decision to ban the student’s backpack has been reversed.
“We sincerely regret that the issue of being told to leave the bookbag at home was perceived as blaming Grayson. While that was not the intent, the perception became reality. We support Grayson bringing the bookbag to school,” the statement read, in part.
Controversy surrounding the bag arose earlier this month, after Grayson’s mom told media outlets that administrators banned the backpack because it was a “trigger for bullying.” Grayson had previously been the victim of verbal and physical abuse from bullies who criticized him for wearing a “girly” backpack.
Soon after administrators told Grayson he should no longer wear the bag to school, he left the public school district, reports TODAY.com. However, after the district’s latest decision, he will re-enroll.
“We are considering all options for getting Grayson back in school. We are pleased the school system is working closely with us. All of the options include Grayson taking his ‘My Little Pony’ bag to school,” Grayson’s mom, Noreen Bruce, said in a statement posted to the district’s Facebook page. She also wrote that she has been working with the district to improve anti-bullying policies.
Grayson saw support from around the country after his story came to light. A Change.org petition had more than 11,500 signatures as of Friday afternoon, and a Facebook page set up for his cause had more than 70,000 likes.
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