Winona school suspends 9-year-old for mimicking Michael Jackson groin grab
WINONA, Minn. (AP) -- A Catholic elementary school in Winona indefinitely suspended a 9-year-old student for mimicking Michael Jackson's famous groin grab during a fundraiser.
Mindy Boberg said the principal at St. Stanislaus' Elementary school, Pat Bowlin, approached her and her son, Lenny, during the Thursday night event.
She says he told her the performance constituted gross misconduct and that Lenny was suspended. He was particularly unhappy with the handful of times the boy reached for his groin area during "Billie Jean."
Bowlin told the Winona Daily News he plans to meet with the Boberg family Monday. He declined to comment further, saying it was an internal issue.
Boberg said Lenny has performed similar Jackson routines the past two years at the event and the performance was approved during a Tuesday rehearsal.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.