Erich Henze said "it's not fair" he won't be able to perform his body fart act in his school's talent show. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
ST. CLAIR SHORES, Mich. (WJBK) -
A local first grader is banned from his school's talent show because his act is deemed "inappropriate."
Erich Henze is seven years old, and he is a fun-loving first grader at Violet Elementary School in St. Clair Shores.
He was "really excited" about the talent show coming up. He was perfecting his performance, and mom signed the permission slip.
"I said, 'Mom, sign this because I just want to do the arm fart for the talent show,'" said Erich.
"Body Farts by Erich Henze. He can armpit fart. He can leg fart, neck fart, ear fart. It's a pretty good act. Really funny," said Emily Henze, his mom. "I got a call from the principal yesterday morning. She informed me that bodily noises were inappropriate and would not be acceptable in the talent show."
What does mom think this says to her son?
"Not to be yourself," she said. "Everybody takes things so serious. We're talking about a seven-year-old and armpit farts. There could be so many other worse things, and I don't agree with her decision, and I think I have hundreds and hundreds of people that stand behind the way I think."
The superintendent said he stands by the principal's decision 100 percent, saying that there is a time and place for everything, and in this case body farting is frowned upon. I asked Erich if he can't do that one man show, will he do a different one?
"If they won't let me do it, I won't. I'll just watch," he said. "It's funny. It's not inappropriate."
"I don't think anyone would be offended. I don't think anyone would do anything but laugh," said mom.
Erich's dilemma will likely spark some debate. Which side are you on? Is the principal pitting against him or is this school right for this rule? Post your thoughts in the "Comments" section below.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:02 AM EDT2013-05-22 04:02:09 GMT
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Detroit police believe a man in a surveillance photo is responsible for a kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault and armed robbery on the city's east side.
Friday, May 24 2013 1:52 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:52:39 GMT
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Alan Lee asks Wallace if the subject of Viagara will 'come up' in Wallace's scheduled interview with former Senator Bob Dole. Wallace responds, "Comes up, really that's what you're going to say?"
Friday, May 24 2013 1:29 PM EDT2013-05-24 17:29:01 GMT
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted.
School officials say an earlier lockdown at three schools in Allen Park Friday has been lifted. Officials say police gave the all-clear at Allen Park Middle School, Lindemann Elementary and Riley Education Center around 12:40 p.m. Friday.
Friday, May 24 2013 12:07 PM EDT2013-05-24 16:07:12 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:49:41 GMT
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Erich Henze said "it's not fair" he won't be able to perform his body fart act in his school's talent show. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
