Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for a group of teachers who dressed up as Donald Trump's border wall for Halloween to be sacked, while thousands more have signed a petition calling for their reinstatement.

In total, 14 members of staff at Idaho's Middleton Heights Elementary School were placed on paid administrative leave, after the photos of their costumes were posted on the school district's Facebook page.

One group of six were dressed as the border wall, with Mr Trump's "Make America Great Again" slogan written across it. Others wore patriotic outfits, decorated with US flags.

The images have since been taken down, after they caused outcry online.

A second group of staff were photographed in stereotypical Mexican costumes.

The school district is investigating the events behind the photos and several parents have been upset by the images.

Middleton School District Superintendent Dr Josh Middleton said that he was "deeply troubled by the decision" and that the photos were "clearly insensitive and inappropriate".

Over 16,000 people have also signed a petition in support of the Middleton teachers, staff and head teacher.

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"Unfortunately, the photos were very controversial," a post introducing the petition begins. "However, we believe its been blown out of proportion, as this was a team building exercise done after school with no students present or involved."

A rival petition supporting an effort to "provide awareness and consciousness of systemic racism" at the school has gained over 12,000 signatures.