6-Year-Old Colorado Boy Suspended From School After Kissing Classmate, Officials Call Actions 'Sexual Harassment'

A six-year-old Colorado boy was suspended from school on Tuesday, after he kissed a female schoolmate on the cheek.

First grader Hunter Yelton's mother told KRDO that her son merely had a crush on the girl, while school officials have named it something else entirely - sexual harassment.

Yelton agreed, saying that he liked his classmate, and she liked him in return. To show his affection, he gave her a kiss that ended up earning him a "sexual harassment" log on his record.

"It was during class, yeah," Yelton said. "We were doing reading group and I leaned over and kissed her on the hand. That's what happened. They sent me to the office, fair and square. I did something wrong and I feel sorry."

Yelton was ordered to stay at home instead of attending classes, Monday.

Hunters' mother Jennifer Saunders said that the girl was okay with the kiss, since the two children are reportedly "boyfriend and girlfriend."

"The other children saw it and went to the music teacher," Saunders told KRDO. "That was the day I had the meeting with the principal, where she first said 'sexual harassment.' This is taking it to an extreme that doesn't need to be met with a six-year-old. Now my son is asking questions...what is sex, mommy? That should never be said, sex. Not in a sentence with a six-year-old."

Hunter has been suspended in the past for reportedly engaging in some physical altercations with fellow students, and for kissing the same classmate on the cheek.

"We've been working with him with the classroom disruption," Saunders admitted. "He was grounded for a while. Big restrictions."

Hunter admitted that he was trying to behave in school, but that he got easily distracted.

"I have a lot of energy," he said. "I mean six year olds. They have a lot of energy."

But the superintendent at School District RE-1 maintained that Hunter's behavior aligned with the policy description of sexual harassment.

Hunter will be allowed to return to school in Canon City on Tuesday, KRDO reported.

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