When it comes time for a parent’s kid to participate in a school play, the parent’s emotions are sure to include a healthy dose of both trepidation and anticipation. In 2016, one mother, Amanda Riddle, was very concerned for her then 6-year-old son, Caleb, to complete his role as a turkey at his elementary school Thanksgiving performance in Nutter Fort, West Virginia. Caleb was cast in the role of a bird since his school celebrates Thanksgiving.
Caleb suffers from a minor type of autism, and as a result, he typically has trouble interacting with large groups of people. Amanda was optimistic but also anxious about what may happen. The performance, however, did not go according to plan. On the other hand, it wasn’t Caleb who caused the disruption; rather, it was a teacher at the school.
Caleb had waited through the whole of the performance, patiently carrying out the duties assigned to him as a turkey, and doing what he was told. Caleb took the initiative to go toward the microphone as the curtain call drew near because it was clear that he was eager to make the most of his time in the limelight.
However, just as Caleb was about to speak into the microphone, a teacher intervened and pulled it away from him, leaving the little child stunned and embarrassed in the process.
“Oh no!” Caleb let out a scream as the instructor made it clear that the little kid would not be given the opportunity to deliver the line that he had been preparing to deliver.
Poor Caleb was left on stage in his turkey costume, weeping for everyone to see as he attempted to deal with the embarrassment and sadness caused by the situation.
What transpired that day was condemned by both Caleb’s mother and those who viewed the viral video of the event. At first, it wasn’t obvious why the instructor abruptly took the microphone.
The circumstances surrounding the accident were discussed in detail by Caleb’s parents. According to a story in The Mirror, his father posted the following on Facebook:
“That’s my little boy performing in his Thanksgiving play,” she said. He is the only child left and he has high functioning autism at the level one. He has the kindest nature and a smile on his face at all times. Now watch it, and witness what a schoolteacher does to him in this scene.
It turns out that all Caleb wanted was the opportunity to utter the phrase “Gobble gobble gobble” since he was playing a turkey in the play. However, after the event, the school made it clear that students were not required to say that particular statement in class.
Riddle shared her feelings of dissatisfaction with the occurrence. as being “all excited to go to Caleb’s play,” the mother was “left in tears” as the instructor snatched the microphone away from her son in what the mother characterized as being “a mean way.” Continued with the riddle:
“My child is a little out of the ordinary.” I am aware of this fact; yet, his heart is tremendous, and he loves everyone. After all, he was the turkey, therefore it doesn’t matter whether he wanted to say “gobble gobble.”
She went on to say, “I’m sick of kids who are not considered to be ‘normal’ being treated the way that they are.” Caleb, I want you to know that I adore you and that you were a fantastic turkey. The concerned mother received the backing of a large number of other people, including online users who said that it would not have been detrimental to let Caleb provide an additional line of dialogue.
In response, Nutter Fort Primary School assured everyone that the instructors at their school and others working inside the system really care about each and every kid.