In a controversial move, a teacher in Wisconsin was terminated from her position after school officials banned her class from performing the Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton duet, “Rainbowland.” Here’s the full story.
First Graders Singing Controversial Song
The incident occurred at Heyer Elementary School in Waukesha, Milwaukee County when a first-grade class was preparing to sing the song at their spring concert.
The ban was implemented in March, with school district officials citing concerns that “Rainbowland” could be seen as controversial.
Superintendent Jim Sebert stated, “It was determined that ‘Rainbowland’ could be perceived as controversial.”
The song, from Miley Cyrus’ 2017 album “Younger Now,” carries themes of inclusivity and acceptance, with lyrics such as “Wouldn’t it be nice (so nice) to live in paradise? Where we’re free to be exactly who we are, let’s all dig down deep inside, brush the judgment and fear aside, and make wrong things right.”
She Was Fired
The teacher, Melissa Tempel, had chosen the song because she believed its message of acceptance was universal and sweet.
In response to the ban, she expressed her disappointment on social media, tweeting, “When will it end?”
However, her social media post and subsequent media interviews about the ban caught the attention of school officials.
On Wednesday, July 12, the Waukesha School District Board of Education voted to terminate Tempel’s employment, as reported by a local media outlet.
Her Behavior Was Intolerable
Superintendent Sebert and Principal Mark Schneider addressed the board, stating that Tempel’s actions were seen as deliberately bringing negative attention to the school district and failing to follow protocol and procedure.
Sebert emphasized that he considered Tempel’s behavior intolerable, leading to the decision to terminate her.
Following the board’s ruling, Tempel’s lawyer, Summer Murshid, expressed disappointment but indicated their intention to file a First Amendment claim.
Murshid emphasized that the case was not about culture wars or rainbows but rather about constitutional rights, stating, “It’s a case of our constitutional rights, and Ms. Tempel has them like every other person in this country.”
What About Free Speech?
Tempel herself expressed gratitude for the support she received and expressed missing her students. Since being placed on administrative leave in March, she has been unable to communicate with them.
The contentious decision has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and the First Amendment.
Several Twitter users shared their thoughts on the incident.
One user wrote, “Is this cancel culture? Because I was told that’s really bad.” Another user commented, “A whole lot of stupid with a side of bigotry going on…”
The post Song About Inclusivity and Acceptance Deemed Too Controversial for Children: Teacher Is Fired! first appeared on The Net Worth Of.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dean Drobot. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: The Pink News