William Rearick, Schools Superintendent of the Tiverton
Public Schools in Rhode Island, has banned the Easter Bunny from
appearing at a fundraising event tomorrow at the Tiverton Middle
School. He has also banned the word “Easter” from all school events.
He told the Providence Journal that during the last year and a
half, he has become “more aware of folks who don’t have a Christian
background.” Taking the place of the Easter Bunny will be Peter
Rabbit; children will be able to get their picture taken with him.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue commented on
this today:

“I am astonished that Schools Superintendent Rearick
only recently discovered Jews and Muslims. But better late than never.
However, it was not a Jew or a Muslim who complained about the Easter
Bunny—it was an ex-Catholic, Michael Burk; he is vice chairman of the
school committee. No matter, I have news for Superintendent Rearick:
he has not resolved the problem.

“It is unconscionable that in this day and age
Superintendent Rearick would choose to honor a thief. As every
schoolchild knows, Peter Rabbit stole from Mr. McGregor’s garden. To
now hold him up as a role model to impressionable youngsters sends the
wrong signal. At the very least, grief counselors should be dispatched
to tomorrow’s event.

“There is also a more serious matter going on. The
event smacks of sexism: Peter Rabbit had three sisters—Flopsy, Mopsy
and Cottontail—and there is no historical record of them ever having
committed a crime. So why were they passed over? Looks like the glass
ceiling is still in place.

“We urge
everyone to register their outrage by contacting Superintendent
Rearick at

wrearick@tivertonschools.org. Tell him to bring the Easter Bunny
back as only ex-Catholics are likely to be offended.”

Kiera McCaffrey is director of communications for the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Liberties.