- Jackson Riley is in kindergarten at Great Valley Academy in Modesto, California
- After his teacher looked inside and found no bomb, the boy was suspended
- School officials sent a letter home, saying Jackson violated a school code
- Parents say that he is playing out a heroic fantasy in which he stops the bomb
Two parents have slammed an elementary school for suspending their son (pictured) for making ‘terroristic threats’ after he claimed he had a bomb in his backpack
Two parents have slammed an elementary school for suspending their five-year-old son for making ‘terroristic threats’ after he claimed he had a bomb in his backpack.
Jackson Riley, who is in kindergarten at Great Valley Academy in Modesto, California, told his teacher he couldn’t take off his backpack because there was a bomb inside.
After his teacher looked inside and found nothing, the boy was suspended from lessons for one day.
School officials sent a letter home, saying Jackson violated a school code when he ‘intentionally engaged in harassment, threats, or intimidation,’ according to KCRA.
When parents Ian and Michelle Riley complained that the rule only applied to students in grades 4 to 12, the school sent a second letter saying Jackson had made ‘terroristic threats.’
Ian, a local radio host, said: ‘He’s got an imagination. In his mind, he’s being this hero that’s preventing you from being exploded from an imaginary bomb in his backpack.’
He added: ‘We don’t want terrorist threats to be on his permanent record. The kid is 5.’
Ian added to MailOnline: ‘We think the administration acted far to harsh for a 5-year-old. We truly want to stress that our issue is with administration, and that we absolutely love and adore our children’s teacher. She has been amazing with our son.’
After an outpouring of support online, the boy’s father said: ‘My wife and I really, truly, honestly, sincerely, appreciate all the supportive messages we have received today!! I mean that.’
MailOnline has contacted Great Valley Academy for comment.
Jackson Riley, who is in kindergarten at Great Valley Academy (pictured) in Modesto, California, told his teacher he couldn’t take off his backpack because there was a bomb inside