Sarah Schindler’s daughter was looking forward to singing “Rainbowland” by Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus at her spring concert. The first-grader at Heyer Elementary School had never heard the song before, but she liked its message of love and harmony.
But a few days ago, she came home with disappointing news. The school district had vetoed the song, along with another rainbow-themed tune, “Rainbow Connection” by Kermit the Frog, saying they were too controversial.
“It’s a shame that our kids can’t sing a song about love and acceptance,” said Melissa Tempel, the teacher who had chosen the songs. “It’s not political, it’s human.”
The decision sparked outrage among some parents and teachers who saw it as a form of censorship and discrimination. They said the songs were appropriate for young children and aligned with the district’s mission of fostering diversity and inclusion.
The school district cited a policy on controversial issues in the classroom as the reason for banning the songs. The policy states that teachers should not “advocate their personal beliefs or opinions regarding controversial issues in the course of their professional duties.”
“We have to be mindful of the fact that not everybody has the same beliefs or values, and we have to be respectful of that,” said James Sebert, the superintendent of the School District of Waukesha.
“Rainbowland” is a duet by country legend Dolly Parton and pop star Miley Cyrus, who are also godmother and goddaughter. The song was released in 2017 as part of Cyrus’ album “Younger Now.” It features a voice message from Parton at the beginning, in which she says: “Rainbowland is a place I dreamed of as a child. It’s where I wanted to live. It’s where I still want to live. It’s where everybody is accepted and can be themselves.”
The song has lyrics such as: “Living in a Rainbowland / Where we’re free to be exactly who we are / Let’s all dig down deep inside / Brush the judgment and fear aside / Make wrong things right / And end the fight.”
Some parents and teachers have launched an online petition to reinstate the songs for the spring concert. They hope to persuade the school board to reconsider its decision and allow the students to express themselves through music.
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