Maple Creek Gunsmithing, a firearms store in Fremont, Nebraska, is claiming that Staples, the popular office supply chain, rejected a recent contest application from the shop — because Maple Creek sells guns…

The alleged rejection e-mail that was sent by Staples and subsequently published on the Maple Creek Gunsmithing Facebook page reads:

We’re sorry, but your small business entry into the Staples PUSH It Forward Contest has been rejected* for the following reason(s):

Entry contains content that promotes alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms/weapons (or the use of any of the foregoing); promotes any activities that may appear unsafe or dangerous; promotes any particular political agenda or message; is obscene or offensive; or endorses any form of hate or hate group.

Please visit the Staples PUSH It Forward Contest if you wish to submit a new entry for your small business.

…“They went as far to say that they lump us in with illegal drug use…

…“I was blown away. I couldn’t believe what I was reading,” he said. “They lumped us in with criminals.”

Both owners are Army veterans.

According to Starnes, Staples confirmed its policy not to award firearms companies…