Mom Finds Confederate Children's Costumes At Party City Store

BAILEY'S CROSSROADS, VA — A local mom is outraged after finding a Confederate children's costume at the Party City location in Bailey's Crossroads.

Caroline Brasler, who told WUSA9 she has two adopted African American daughters, shared photos of the children's costumes in a Facebook post. One of the costumes depicted Gen. Robert E. Lee with a Confederate military uniform, beard and hat with the Confederate flag. The other children's costume depicted a Confederate officer wearing a similar military uniform and hat with the Confederate flag. The Confederate flag has been a focus of a longtime debate, with opponents saying it symbolizes racism and hate, and supporters saying it represents Southern pride and heritage.

Brasler took the opposing view. In the Facebook post directed at Party City, she called on the retailer to pull it from the store.

"I just stopped into your location in Fall Church, VA for a few items and found this for sale," wrote Brasler in the post. "I turned around and walked right back out the door. This is completely offensive and racist. Pull it from your shelves."

The Confederate soldier costume doesn't show up on Party City's website, although there is an option of a boy's Union officer costume. Other websites sell Confederate or General Robert E. Lee costumes in children's and adult sizes.

Party City responded in a statement to WUSA9, saying the Bailey's Crossroads store is a franchise location and not corporate owned. The retailer has contacted franchisees and partners to ask for the Confederate costume.

Brasler told WUSA9 her 10-year-old and 12-year-old adopted daughters have encountered racism before. But after the Party City visit, she plans to get their costumes elsewhere now.