Our DD goes to a Montessori. There is no outright banning of specific characters, and not even any suggested banning. But I do know that, in general, it's very subtly discouraged to bring in princess, "Barbie," and superhero character toys... mostly, I think, because they're very distracting. The kids *want* *want* *want* these toys at the expense of other activities. Arguments arupt around who gets what, who borrows what, and who shares what at recess. I think from experience they just prefer not to deal with this, so if they're brought to school, the toys go into the kids' cubbies upon arrival and don't get taken out again until departure.
There's no animosity about this. I think the parents understand the teachers' position. And the teachers also understand that sometimes it's hard to pry that &*$% "Polly Pocket" out of your kid's hand before walking in the door... so the kids might walk in with it, but won't see it for the rest of the day.
