Melania Trump Is Dissed by NYC Parents Over Invite to Ring Stock Exchange Bell

By Maureen Mackey | September 19, 2019

Many parents of children who attend the United Nations International School (UNIS) in New York City apparently do not want their young children to ring the New York Stock Exchange bell with first lady Melania Trump — even though they received an invitation to do so and to join with her in this symbolic action next week when she’s in town.

They are perceiving that doing so, apparently, would mean they’re endorsing the Trump administration and all that it stands for — and that, no, this is clearly not for them.

Parents received a notice from the school on September 16, The New York Daily News reported, asking if their children wanted to join Melania Trump on a tour of the Stock Exchange — and to ring the opening bell alongside her.

The school had accepted an invitation to open up participation of its students to the event.

“There is only room for 10 students on the tour, but that was enough to rile some parents who said they’re concerned the kids will be used as political props,” the Daily News also reported.

“I am profoundly disappointed by the decision to accept this invitation,” one United Nations worker and parent said in a letter to a UN undersecretary-general, noted the publication.

This complaining parent added that others were concerned the children’s “appearance together with the first lady confers, by extension, on this U.S. administration, the endorsement of our school and our community.”

The parent also said the school should not have said yes to the invitation.

A reasonable person must ask: Did such a thing happen during former President Barack Obama’s time in the White House? Why is this happening now?

The office of first lady should be respected no matter who occupies it; the same goes for the office of the presidency.

Related: Melania’s Magnificent Makeover: Spruces Up White House for the Fall

UNIS is the school of the United Nations; it offers a pre-K-to-12th grade curriculum and a college-preparatory program, the Daily News noted.

Despite the pushback from some corners, the first lady is scheduled to ring the bell at the Stock Exchange next week.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham confirmed to CNN that indeed Mrs. Trump will be participating in the activity next week.

“Mrs. Trump will be taking part in an iconic New York City tradition, and encouraging children to be best, through her initiative,” Grisham said to CNN.

The first lady’s Best Best initiative is about encouraging a healthy and balanced life for all children in this country.

It addresses what our young people are exposed to online today and shares strategies for success — and also discusses the opioid epidemic and how children can stay safe, educated and protected from harm.

See more information and reaction below — and share your thoughts on this story.

This piece originally appeared in LifeZette and is used by permission.

Read more at LifeZette.com:
Corey Lewandowski Could Care Less That Meghan McCain Trashed His Potential Run for Office
Justin Trudeau Apologizes for Wearing Brownface Makeup at a Party Two Decades Ago
Chocolate Milk Might Be Banned in NYC Public Schools