Save the Fairy!

InSt. Charles, Missouri residents and business owners are banding together to save a fairy’s job. Since it is the Christmas season and I enjoy off beat articles, when I found this article, I was pleased with the human outcry to “Save The Fairy.”

As you probably already know, one of the most known ballets is Peter Tchaikovsky's famous Nutcracker Suite. This wonderful ballet is usually preformed during the holiday season. One of the characters and one of the most sought-after roles is that of the beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy who welcomes young Clara to the Kingdom of Sweets and dances the famous "Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy." 

According to the article, Laura Coppinger, who made this role "larger than life," had played the Sugar Plum Fairy for five years before she was fired for violation of her professional code of conduct. Apparently, Coppinger had uttered a curse word when she accidentally flushed the toilet after a drug test that was required for her job. Before she was able to retake the test, she was informed that she had been fired for cursing. As word spread about the termination, a movement grew to “Save the Sugar Plum Fairy.” A Facebook page was started and hundreds of people have clicked on the "Like" button in order to show their support.  A like-minded group has also decided to take this issue to the St. Charles City Hall.

 

The article led the reader to assume that she was dedicated to her job. She never denied saying a curse word out of frustration with herself and she is willing to apologize for cursing. This shows integrity and character.  I can’t believe that the public official who was performing the drug test was hateful turn Copinger in for violating the “Christmas traditions code of conduct” which states that “Christmas characters don’t know naughty words”. Now, I am pretty sure that Copinger wasn’t in character when she was taking the drug test. If she curses in the privacy of her home, is she still in violation?  

 

Unfortunately, it was wise of the officials who oversee the Christmas Traditions hiring to state that “they’re unable to comment about personnel matters.” If they had commented on it. Coppinger would be able to have a case on her hands. If the city officials had stated anything, then this would probably have been a privacy issue and Coppinger would have been able to sue the city for violating her privacy.  

 

As it is, Coppinger is very grateful for all the support that she has received and would like the city to reverse their decision. It is hard to find a job right now and I hope they do rehire her.