Even rainbow-themed songs don’t seem safe from the political issues that are prevalent in US schools.
A school district in Wisconsin has removed a performance of Miley Cyrus’ 2017 song “Rainbowland.”(opens in new tab) From the song list ahead of last week’s freshman concert, the song had no explicit content, despite being reportedly popular among students.
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Waukesha School District superintendent Jim Sebert told local news station Fox 6(opens in new tab) The school district cited school board policy, questioning “whether it is appropriate for the age and maturity of the students” and its “social or personal impact” on children.(opens in new tab) Relates to “controversial issues” in classroom settings.
In a statement issued on March 24,(opens in new tab)district leaders explained that the decision was made at the discretion of Heyer Elementary School’s music teacher, principal, and central office administrator, and was later reviewed and endorsed by the district superintendent. He made it clear that he was not involved.
Teachers, such as Melissa Tempel, a first-grade bilingual teacher at Heyer Elementary School, told the media that the school district believed Cyrus was too “controversial” in the public’s eyes, and therefore banned. He said there were rumors that However, Tempel, who identifies himself as a teacher activist, posted on Twitter that she believes he may have more to do with the song’s lyrics.
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“Rainbowland,” a duet between Cyrus and famed godmother Dolly Parton, tells the story of overcoming “wounded hatred” and celebrating life in bright colors.
Ah, it would be a lie if I said that this is fine
All the hurt and hate going on here
we are the rainbow me and you
all colors, all shades
let’s break through
Together we can start life in Rainbowlandlive in rainbow country
The skies are blue and things are grand
Wouldn’t it be nice to live in paradise
A place to be yourself
Let’s dig deep together
set aside judgment and fear
make wrong right
and end the fight
For years, Cyrus has made LGBTQ inclusion central to her celebrity image through initiatives such as her Happy Hippie Foundation.(opens in new tab)Supporting The Foundation for AIDS Research, which helps homeless and LGBTQ youth(opens in new tab)live LGBTQ events such as the 2021 Miley Cyrus Pride Special.
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Parton herself is an advocate for children’s literacy and an iconic LGBTQ ally. In 1995 Parton founded the Imagination Library.(opens in new tab)is an unlimited global initiative that provides free books for children from birth to age 5. In 2022, Parton will release an anti-bullying children’s book. billy the kid makes it big(opens in new tab)and has become one of many openly embracing celebrities to be used as symbols in the fight to protect the LGBTQ community.(opens in new tab) in states such as Tennessee(opens in new tab).
But pop music isn’t the only thing the school seems to oppose.Tempel Tweeted on March 22nd(opens in new tab) The school also banned the famous Kermit the Frog song “Rainbow Connection”, but reintroduced the song to the set list due to parental uproar. He did not say it was prohibited, but explained that the song was suggested as an alternative by the school’s music teacher.
The Waukesha school district has long come under attack for its anti-LGBTQ policies.Last year, teachers and community members under the Alliance for Education Group in Waukesha launched a petition(opens in new tab) The petition includes calls for anti-diversity and inclusion behavior, including a welcoming and inclusive sign ban and a “pause” of equitable efforts in districts deemed “controversial” and “political.” written as a response. recent leadership, insider(opens in new tab) This reportedly included discussing pronouns and discouraging teachers from wearing rainbow images.
Nationally, politicians and school leaders continue to attack the inclusion of LGBTQ history and identities in schools, banning public displays of drugs, and making health care available to LGBTQ youth. is impeding Additionally, the book ban is directed at the erasure of diverse media, including themes of gender and sexuality.(opens in new tab)Race(opens in new tab)and expressions.
Ironically, in avoiding potentially “controversial” songs about happiness, hope and rainbows, the Waukesha School District has made this ongoing debate about the role of schools in educating today’s youth. I found myself at the center of the education controversy.
