That's Just Wrong: Santa

WSVN--When it comes to secrets, this one is bigger than the tooth fairy and the Easter bunny combined. Lionel downer Jr. has figured out there is more to Christmas than lighting a tree.

Lionel Jr: "I helped her try to set the Christmas tree up. And, I picked the Christmas tree out."

He has learned there's no such thing as Santa Claus.

Lionel Jr: "I was telling a student that Santa Claus wasn't real. And, she said yes he is and I said no."

That's right. Lionel spilled the beans to a classmate that everybody's favorite philanthropist is a figment of the imagination.

Lionel Jr: "She told the teacher."

And the teacher told lionel to sit in time-out.

Lionel Sr: "He said Daddy, they put me in time-out because I told the children that there was no Santa Claus. Santa Claus is my mom and my dad."

Lionel's father understands St. Nick is a sensitive topic...But he feels the way his son was treated was well... Bah hum bug.

Lionel Sr: "I think everybody has a right to express themselves. And because he say his mommy and his daddy are Santa Clause, I don't think it's right for you to put him in the back of the class."

When Lionel's father went and spoke to the assistant principal?she promised to talk to the teacher and call him back.

Lionel Sr: "She never called me back."

Instead, she hauled Lionel out of class and questioned him in the office.

Lionel Jr: "I was so scared because I didn't do nothing. I thought I didn't do nothing."

Now, all his parents want is a silent night without worrying. They say the way the school is acting - that's just wrong.

Lionel Sr: "It sends a wrong message to him because he says daddy I don't like school anymore."

When Seven News spoke with Broward Schools ... They told us they get complaints every year about kids letting Santa's secret out of the bag. As for this case, a spokesman told us Lionel was not punished for saying anything about Santa. He was punished for was failing to raise his hand and blurting it out in class. As for Lionel, he may have a learned a bigger lesson. Since he knows who's giving him all these gifts, he appreciates his family more than ever. And now, he hopes they can focus on what's really important.

Lionel Jr: "That's me."

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